The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have addressed one issue with George Pickens, but another has emerged. In their game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Pickens’ snap count rose to 45, the highest among the team’s wide receivers. He was utilized more in heavier personnel packages compared to the previous week, where he had a career-low 34 snaps. This strategy worked well, allowing the Steelers to maximize Pickens’ playing time despite rotating through five wide receivers and four tight ends.
However, Pickens has only caught six of his last 15 targets. The Steelers didn’t create many opportunities for him to get open, aside from a notable 31-yard reception on a post route from Justin Fields. Instead, he was given more chances to take on defenders one-on-one, leveraging his impressive hands and body control. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to capitalize on these chances in a game that didn’t go his way.
As the most reliable option in the wide receiver group, Pickens needs to convert those opportunities. This isn’t a matter of effort; he simply didn’t finish the plays. The Steelers need to analyze film to understand what’s happening with him. Throughout his NFL career, Pickens has been known for his exceptional hands.
While some passes may not have been perfect, Pickens typically makes highlight-reel catches and supports his team. This inconsistency is now impacting the team’s explosive passing plays. If Pickens continues to struggle, the Steelers may need to seek out another wide receiver to enhance their passing game.
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