After 3 instantly wins to start out the season, the Steelers have misplaced two instantly. Each video games had been three-point losses and Pittsburgh in 3-2 at the yr. They gave up a last-second landing in Week 5 to lose 20-17 to the Cowboys. Pittsburgh is at the street in Week 6 to stand the Las Vegas Raiders.
Talking with the media this week, George Pickens discussed his restricted taking part in time up to now this season. The 23-year-old famous that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith used to be answerable for that call. Pickens is indisputably the Steelers’ maximum proficient WR. Alternatively, Pickens does now not see paintings like a real WR1. Will that fluctuate after he made the ones public feedback to the media this week?
George Pickens is pissed off with how he’s getting used offensively by way of the Steelers
George Pickens: Taking part in time is as much as Arthur Smith. https://t.co/BZOyml8ZdJ
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) October 10, 2024
In the second one spherical of the 2022 NFL draft, the Steelers decided on WR George Pickens out of Georgia. As a rookie, Pickens performed in all 17 video games for the Steelers and made 12 begins. He had 52 catches for 801 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first yr. With the Steelers in 2023, Pickens once more performed in all 17 video games and made 16 begins. He completed the season with 63 catches for 1,140 yards and 5 touchdowns. Pickens’ (18.1) yards consistent with reception in 2023 led all of the league. Explosive performs during the air are how Pickens thrived final season.
5 video games into the 2023, Pickens isn’t off to a scorching get started. He’s had 100+ receiving yards in only one recreation this season. Moreover, Pickens is taking part in simply 73% of the crew’s offensive snaps. That’s in comparison to 87% in 2023. Pittsburgh’s offense isn’t catered to passing the ball with Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. The Steelers are operating the ball (32.8) occasions consistent with recreation in comparison to (27.4) move makes an attempt. They’re most sensible 5 in speeding makes an attempt and are backside 5 in move makes an attempt consistent with recreation. That every one has factored into George Pickens having a sluggish begin to the 2024 season. Will Pickens’ public feedback about his utilization get the WR a couple of extra goals in Week 6?