During the Week 13 game in Atlanta, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver,George Pickens was visibly angry over his lack of targets. This week, he gets a few more targets and gets attention from a blast from the past, Baltimore Ravens cornerback, Marlon Humphrey.
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)
When asked about Pickens, Humprehey said:
"I tried to recruit him, a lot. Maybe he knew a thing, because he was burning me out there today."
Steelers' Pickens and Ravens' Humphrey Have a Past Connection
Humphrey and Pickens have a hometown connection, they both attended Hoover High School in Alabama.
"But it was really cool to see and have another guy you know – know where he's from and everything – match up against."
Reporters asked Humphrey if he knew Pickens would be so good quickly. Humphrey started by saying he felt confident that the Steelers would draft Pickens and called him a "Pittsburgh guy." When asked what that means he said:
"[He] just has a lot of dog in him. I've got a lot of respect for [Steelers head coach] Mike Tomlin. He's not only a great football coach, but he's a great man-builder for guys that kind of … Obviously, [George Pickens] had some draft stuff, some off-the-field things that aren't head coach-friendly."
Pickens' Past
The "stuff" Humphrey is referring to are some incidents from Pickens' time playing at the University of Georgia. That led to Pickens being labeled "immature" or as a "hot head" by many analysts heading into the draft. The incident that was most concerning was Pickens being ejected during a Georgia game for fighting.
The recent sideline incident has validated some of the negative feelings for some. However, Coach Tomlin indicated last week after that incident that he would "rather say, 'whoa' than 'sic 'em,'" explaining that he appreciates Pickens' passion and elaborating that all players want more. It is part of being a pro - never being satisfied. Tomlin implied they were working with Pickens on more appropriate ways of expressing his frustration. Several veteran players have stepped in as well to help mentor him including team captian, Cam Heyward and fellow receiver, Diontae Johnson.
All of this is high praise from the Ravens' vet. The Steelers and the Ravens tend to play a similar brand of defense-heavy, smash-mouth football. This is a huge part of the reason this rivalry is so highly anticipated.
The Steelers have struggled this year, particularly on offense. After seeming to put out some solid schemes and maintain a lead to beat Atlanta last week, early during this week's game, quarterback Kenny Pickett left with a concussion and backup Mitch Trubisky came in for him. Trubisky did target Pickens more than last week, but also threw 3 interceptions that cost the Steelers the game.
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 20: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a pass over Eli Apple #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Against the Ravens, Pickens had 3 catches for 78 yards. After the 16-14 loss, the Steelers fell to 5-8. Pickens was perfect on the day, making all of his catches despite excellent coverage from the Ravens defense, including Humphrey. For the year, Pickens does not have the stats to support the amazing catches he has shown he is capable of. It feels like he should be having a Pro Bowl level season. Instead, he has only 40 receptions for 590 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Pickens' ability to catch contested balls makes fans wonder why he isn't being targeted more often. Why do you think Pickens isn't getting more targets? What do you make of Humphrey's comments? Click to comment below!
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