The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 8-8 on Sunday night after securing a thrilling victory against the Baltimore Ravens. The offense took some time to get going, but came on strong in the second half to erase a 10-point deficit. The play that jump-started the offense was a 3rd and 14 catch by the sensational rookie, George Pickens when they were down 13-3.
This CATCH by George Pickens 😳 pic.twitter.com/O2D0sGA4Wf
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) January 2, 2023
The catch was amazing and once again demonstrated Pickens' sublime hands and ability to make big plays when targeted. The Steelers scored 13 second half points to come from behind and keep their playoff hopes alive after the huge conversion by Kenny Pickett and Pickens. The rookie from the Georgia Bulldogs has had limited opportunities to impact games since the bye week, but has found a way to make huge catches despite receiving little attention in the offensive schemes. He has 49 catches on 78 targets, 729 yards and 3 touchdowns. The numbers are good enough for third best on the Steelers, but he is under utilized.
Rodney Harrison from NBC’s Football Night in America was impressed by the rookie’s performance and compared him to one of the NFL’s all-time greats, Randy Moss. Moss was one of Harrison’s teammates with the New England Patriots and he sees striking similarities:
“I think this young man is the steal of the draft,” Harrison said. “He reminds me of one of my teammates, Hall of Famer, Randy Moss. He’s big, he’s long and he makes a lot of big plays.”
Matt Canada has stubbornly resisted giving Pickens more opportunities to touch the ball. Pickens is a big physical player and an exceptional blocker, but rarely is targeted on short or intermediate routes. He also is replaced routinely on running plays by Gunner Olszewski. Olszewski not only comes in on running plays, he has carried the ball twice as much on jet sweeps and he routinely takes the red zone snaps for the Steelers which may explain why Pittsburgh struggles in the red zone.
George Pickens eludes Duron Harmon and the Raiders' secondary for a game-winning touchdown Saturday night at Acrisure Stadium. GAELEN MORSE / GETTY IMAGES
Pickens has tremendous ability to win 50/50 balls and he was finally targeted on a end zone fade route near the goal line during the Steelers first scoring drive against Baltimore. The play was telegraphed as Zach Gentry, Pat Freiermuth and Najee Harris lined up in a stack formation opposite Pickens who was the only wide receiver in the game, but at least they called it.
Inexplicably, they continue to limit Pickens to go routes, but on Sunday when they needed it most, he went across the middle and made just another routine highlight reel catch.
Pickens has 13 receptions of 20 or more yards that trails only the elite Tyreek Hill and Justin Jefferson. The difference is that those two are primary weapons for the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings, respectively. They get more opportunity to make plays and it is scary to think what might happen if Pickett ignores play designs and just repeatedly gives Pickens the opportunity to make catches any time he is one on one.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a one handed catch ahead of Martin Emerson Jr. #23 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
The Steelers are facing the Cleveland Browns this week with the chance at a playoff berth as long as they win the game and get some help. Pickens made the catch of the year when they faced the Browns earlier this season on Thursday night. If the black and gold are going to complete an improbable run to the postseason, they will need big plays in the passing game and Pickens and Pickett should be a huge factor in that plan.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? Do you think Pickens comparisons to Moss are realistic? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.
