The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get their second consecutive victory on Sunday as they beat the Cleveland Browns by a score of 27-14. The Steelers started off slow, per usual, but the group was able to open the game up in the second half. Some fans were concerned going into this game as the Steelers lost to the Browns back in Week 12, and George Pickens popped up on the injury report on Friday with a hamstring injury. Pickens was listed as questionable, but he was ruled out before the game began.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin during a game against the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
An injury to Pickens was a large concern going into the 2024 season due to the lack of quality depth at the wide receiver position in Pittsburgh. It is a big reason Pittsburgh was involved in nearly every trade rumor revolving around a wide receiver before the season kicked off. The Steelers saw a lot of players step up in Pickens' absence. Head Coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media after the win, and he took a slight jab at the media for questioning the depth at wide receiver.
"It's been kind of what we have been discovering, or re-discovering, throughout every component of this process." Tomlin said of his depth at wide receiver. "You guys were asking us about our lack of a number two in team development, and the guys made plays. Whoever we throw the ball to makes plays. The strength of the pack is the pack."
During the win on Sunday, the Steelers saw guys like Scotty Miller and Van Jefferson step up, as did mid-season acquisition Mike Williams. Jefferson caught a touchdown and Miller and Williams each made huge catches down the sideline, and Tomlin made sure to point out that despite all the speculation, the Steelers are just fine at wide receiver.
"We've got a bunch of guys that want to be the reason why we are successful." Tomlin said. "When given an opportunity I think they continually prove that. Whether it's Scotty, or Mike, Calvin, Van. We believe in our group. I know I've said that repeatedly, maybe you guys will start believing me."
Tomlin had to take a slight dig at the media. The wide receiver position was the main talking point throughout the offseason and training camp. Many fans thought there was no quality talent at the position behind Pickens, but that has been proven wrong throughout the 2024 season.
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Steelers' George Pickens confused during the Bengals game after being called for a 15 yard flag.
Steelers' Mike Williams Is Finally Getting An Opportunity
The Steelers acquired Williams from the New York Jets at the trade deadline, and fans have been waiting to see the wide receiver be properly utilized. Williams caught the game-winning touchdown in his first game with the team, but he then didn't receive a single target in the next three games. With Pickens out it was obvious that Williams would be more involved, and he made some big plays in the win over the Browns.
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Steelers' Mike Williams makes a catch along the sideline during a win over the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
During the victory over the Browns, Williams hauled in three passes for 36 yards. His best play was a 22-yard reception down the sideline where he made a spectacular one-handed grab. Williams proved that he is still a good receiver in this league, and hopefully Tomlin and the coaching staff decides to give him more opportunities moving forward.
What do you think of how Tomlin spoke to the media? Let us know in the comments below!
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