The Pittsburgh Steelers were forced to start Justin Fields over Russell Wilson during their Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Black and Gold went into the game as underdogs already, and the questions about how Fields would adjust to an offense built by new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith for Wilson only increased the concern.
John Bazemore / Associated Press
Steelers' Justin Fields during Week 1 against the Falcons in 2024.
The overhaul of the Steelers' offense has been one of the most anticipated features of this new season. Smith, both quarterbacks, some of the offensive line, and some of the receivers are all new to Pittsburgh. When General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin chose to trade wide receiver Diontae Johnson, most assumed they would pick up another talented receiver via the draft or free agency -- but they didn't.
After months of hearing that the team was on the verge of trading for Brandon Aiyuk, the season began with George Pickens in the top spot. Then, there were a lot of questions about depth. One of the biggest concerns has been what will happen if defenses double-team Pickens. This left everyone curious to see what the connection would be like between Fields and Pickens. The two have spoken very highly of each other in the past. They are close in age and are both dynamic athletes.
During the game against the Falcons, Pickens did not put up huge numbers, but he looked dynamic. He had six receptions for 85 yards, but lost a major chunk of yardage when a huge 30+ yard contested catch was overturned, thanks to a questionable offensive pass interference call. Former Steelers linebacker Terence Garvin said no one should worry, however. He told fellow linebacker and former teammate Arthur Moats on Moats' podcast, The Arthur Moats Experience, that he envisions big things from the dynamic young duo if they continue to work together.
"I see the GP [George Pickens] connection lit up," said Garvin. "You always want to keep that hot. I think that's coming. Stay patient. I think if these two stick together, it will get even hotter. The Fields-GP connection will be a hot one. I think Fields will be, 'Yo, I'm coming to you at any time it's dangerous' type. 'I'm gonna find you. I'm coming to find you.' GP, this is a hot week for him. Week 2 of Fields-GP I think will be a hot one. I think they will get in the box a couple times this week, this is a two touchdown week."
Fields has shown that he can be a dangerous receiver. He is undoubtedly one of the best at making contested catches in the NFL. Unfortunately, Pickens has suffered from struggles outside of his control. The Steelers' former Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada, and quarterback, Kenny Pickett, both seemed to lack the tools to use Pickens creatively or consistently.
That means it isn't just Fields getting an opportunity for a fresh start -- Pickens is, as well. As he enters his third season in the league, this opportunity is coming just in time for him to prove his worth before the Steelers consider extending his rookie contract beyond 2025.
Steelers.com
Pittsburgh Steelers' Kenny Pickett and George Pickens celebrating.
Tomlin has not officially said whether Wilson or Fields will get the start in Week 2 since Wilson's calf is apparently not fully healed. Fields was meant to be the backup to start the year, but Garvin believes that the longer he plays, especially if he continues to win, the harder it will get to pull him out.
Steelers Looked Solid On Offense
The Steelers may not have made any touchdowns against the Falcons, but they managed to pull off the 18-10 victory thanks to six field goals from kicker Chris Boswell. Despite that, former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said he was pleased with what he saw.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith working with George Pickens.
Roethlisberger felt that Smith started conservatively to get a feel for how comfortable Fields was. Then, as he saw him relax, make plays, and protect the football, he began to open it up more and more. According to the former Super Bowl winner, this is a plan that the Steelers can build upon.
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