Steelers' George Pickens Can't Hold In Excitement On Field With Arthur Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers are finally ushering in a new offense. After nearly three long years of watching Matt Canada struggle to figure out football at the NFL level, Pittsburgh has a competent offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith. He operates a run-heavy scheme, which certainly fits the Steelers personnel and identity. He was one of the best coordinators in the league before accepting a head coaching job, and now he is back as he learns under Head Coach Mike Tomlin. 

Smith is coming into a situation where he has plenty of weapons. The backfield is loaded with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, while George Pickens is one of the best up-and-coming receivers in the league. Pickens has been showing out thus far in training camp, making his usual highlight-reel catches. He seems to be more involved in the offense and is receiving more targets. Rich Walsh of KDKA noticed a fun embrace between Pickens and Smith after the receiver caught a touchdown.

Pickens has had a pretty good camp so far, and it seems the only defensive back who has been giving him issues is undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop Jr. Other than Bishop, Pickens has been successful in one-on-ones and has made some spectacular plays during the team's scrimmage periods.

Pickens has shown great chemistry with new quarterback, Justin Fields. Their noticeable connection has been highlighted while Russell Wilson has been sitting out of most drills due to a minor calf injury. Fields has consistently looked for Pickens near the end zone, and the two have connected on touchdowns against the starting defense on multiple occasions.

This was a touchdown between the two towards the end of the Steelers' practice on Thursday during a two-minute drill. Fields trusts Pickens enough to throw it into a crowded end zone, and Pickens jumped up to snag the ball off of the top shelf. After this play is when Pickens approached Smith and gave him a hug. 

It seems Smith is actually able to scheme Pickens open, which is something that hasn't been done for the young wide receiver throughout his first two seasons often. He had to fight for nearly every yard he has gotten up until this point in his career. Now, with an experienced and competent coordinator, Pickens should be on track for a career year.

Steelers' George Pickens Will Have His Best Season Yet In 2024

Smith's success while serving as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans is mostly highlighted by the running game and Derrick Henry. AJ Brown was also a crucial member of that team, and Smith was able to help him succeed during his rookie season, and his second season. During Brown's rookie year, he caught 8 touchdowns while recording 1,051 yards in just 11 starts. His numbers improved in his second year, catching 11 touchdowns and recording 1,075 yards in just 14 games played.

Brown headlined that receiver room even as such a young player, so the idea that Pickens' success could hinge on the Steelers finding a true number two wide receiver is simply incorrect. Brown was running routes with guys like Adam Humphries and Tajae Sharpe. Van Jefferson or Roman Wilson should be considered upgrades over that situation.

Pickens has improved in each of his first two seasons, and he is expected to do so again in 2024. He should have a great working relationship with Smith, and he will also have the best quarterback situation of his career with either Fields or Wilson.

What are your expectations for Pickens in Smith's offense? Let us know in the comments below!

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