The Pittsburgh Steelers George Pickens is a supremely talented rookie wide receiver from the Georgia Bulldogs. He was the breakout star of training camp at St. Vincent in Latrobe, PA and from his first appearance in the preseason against the Seattle Seahawks, the clock started on Pickens eventually becoming the number one wide receiver in Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates with tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium / Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Pickens has made some incredible catches through the first ten games of the season. He had maybe the catch of the year on Thursday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns and has made the extraordinary look routine every time Kenny Pickett looks his way. On Monday night in Indianapolis against the Colts, Pickens finally looked like a rookie with a couple of uncharacteristic drops.
The rookie’s struggles did not escape the attention of Ben Roethlisberger and Maurkice Pouncey during Episode 14 of the Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger podcast. Roethlisberger piped up during the initial Steelers scoring drive about the “NFL YoungBoy’s” first performance on Monday Night Football for the Steelers.
“That’s a good throw,” Roethlisberger said about Pickett’s first red zone throw. “He’s got to go two hands and make that catch. He is a great player, but he has got to go two hands, that’s a great throw that is not on him (Pickett).”
George Pickens (14) catches two point conversion to give the Pittsburgh Steelers a 24-17 lead on MNF / Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Pickens' unreal catch radius and strong hands have been the source of most of the Steelers' offensive highlights in 2022. Pickett to Pickens is developing into a dangerous combination and the rookie receiver has made the case several times during the season that he is always open. Receivers who have Pickens talent always consider themselves open if the coverage is one on one. Elite NFL receivers like Justin Jefferson and Stephon Diggs have backed up those claims and Pickens is trying to ascend to that level.
“Oh No, see he turned his hands a little weird,” Roethlisberger exclaimed after a third quarter drop by Pickens resulted in another three and out for the struggling offense. “I would like to see that again in slow motion, I thought he could have caught that. Maybe, turn the hands the other way.”
Pickens slid down on third and two and his hands were at an awkward angle that caused the ball to fall harmlessly to the ground. This was the first time this season that Pickens did not take advantage of routine opportunities and he has made far more difficult catches. However, he did drop a sure touchdown late in the game against the Cincinnati Bengals and he may be hitting the rookie wall or possibly too focused on spectacular catches.
George Pickens celebrates a two-point conversion for Pittsburgh Steelers at Indianapolis Colts / Photo Credit: AP
The former Georgia Bulldog showed why he is the Steelers' best weapon moments later on the biggest play of the night for the offense. After Benny Snell had punched in the go-ahead touchdown the Steelers desperately needed a two-point conversion to take a seven-point lead. Pickett dropped back to pass, rolled right and found his favorite target in the corner of the end zone for another low sliding catch he came up with.
Steelers Rookies George Pickens And Kenny Pickett Continue To Develop A Special Relationship During 1st Year
Pickens proved that when given an opportunity to redeem himself and make a play that he had a short memory and learned from earlier mistakes. He displayed superior concentration staying in bounds on the sideline and going to his knees to make a tricky catch. The two-point conversion was the last score of the game and stretched the lead to seven points for the black and gold in the 24-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Part of being an elite playmaker is making plays when your team needs you the most, even if you are not having a great game that week.
What do you think Steeler Nation? Were you impressed with Pickens coming back late to redeem himself with a difficult catch? Comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbbasq.
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