The Steelers' Week 1 Matchup Will Showcase The Good, Or Bad, Of George Pickens As He Is Thrust Into Intense Competition

The Pittsburgh Steelers are putting a lot of trust in George Pickens going into the 2024 season. This was shown by the way the organization parted ways with Diontae Johnson back in March, and how they have expressed their belief in Pickens as the first receiving option. Pickens will face a ton of defensive pressure, as there isn't much solidified talent behind him in the wide receiver room. Van Jefferson has locked up the number two receiver role, but neither him nor Calvin Austin III particularly strike fear in a defense as a receiver at this point in their respective careers.

Pickens has shown improvement in each of his first two NFL seasons, and he is expected to take another big leap in year three. He made improvements in 2023 when it came to gaining yards after the catch, and he even led the league in yards per reception. Bradley Locker of Pro Football Focus wrote about the upcoming matchup for Pickens, and the improvements the receiver has made.

"In only two years in the NFL, Pickens has broken onto the scene with 120 catches for 1,991 yards and a 74.3 receiving grade. The former Georgia product has specifically excelled when targeted downfield, hauling in 50.9% of contested catches. With Diontae Johnson traded to Carolina, Pittsburgh is relying on Pickens to refine his game in Year 3 as a real WR1."

The defensive pressure will be all over Pickens, which might be an issue considering his history of getting frustrated during games. There were multiple times during the 2023 season where Pickens was an issue on the sideline after being unhappy with his targets, and this can't happen in 2024. Pickens will go through his first test on Sunday, as he takes on the Atlanta Falcons' AJ Terrell Jr.

"On the other side of the equation, Terrell has remained a mainstay in an overhauled Falcons defense that looks nearly complete. The 2020 first-round pick has been up and down throughout his four years, but played well last year, earning a 74.6 coverage grade. Atlanta rewarded Terrell with a four-year, $81 million deal this offseason prior to him hitting the open market."

Terrell certainly isn't a household name at the cornerback position, but he was one of the best at the position during the 2023 season. Atlanta selected him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and his career got off to a rocky start. He has made big improvements and earned a new contract over the offseason. He will be a tough matchup for the Pittsburgh receiver, and could certainly make the day difficult for Pickens.

Steelers' George Pickens Will Need To Remain Cool Throughout The Contest

Terrell is a good corner, and there is a good chance that he is able to wipe Pickens out of the game for a possession or two. It will be important for the third-year receiver to be able to keep calm throughout the game and let the game come to him. Things may be difficult at times in 2024 as the Steelers introduce a new offensive coordinator and a new quarterback, but Pickens will be relied upon to win matchups against elite corners like Terrell. 

"As the Steelers usher in Russell Wilson at quarterback and Arthur Smith’s new scheme, they’ll need Pickens to win one-on-ones against the Falcons’ best cover man if they want to prevail in Mercedes-Benz Stadium."

Pickens has played against Terrell during the regular season once in his career, back during his rookie season in 2022. The impressive receiver only caught one pass for two yards in the Pittsburgh victory. He has improved a ton since then, and he will certainly have a better performance in the 2024 season opener. 

If Pickens plays well, the offense will likely succeed - which says a lot about the amount of pressure Pickens is under.

What do you expect from this matchup on Sunday? Will Pickens be able to perform against Terrell? Let us know in the comments below!

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