PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – George Pickens played in big games in college, but he never was THE guy. George Pickens played all of last year, but on a team that started 2-6. Only a few times in his young career has he been the target of a defense. That is a learning experience.
The Steelers leading receiver with 27 catches for 500 yards, an 18.5 average, Pickens has two consecutive 100-yard games. Against the Ravens and Rams combined he averaged nearly 22-yards a catch. He's 14th in the NFL in receiving yards ahead of Chris Olave, Terry McLaurin, Mike Evans, Amari Cooper, DeVonta Smith, DeAndre Hopkins and more.
Previously teams were coming at him with double teams, now they are pulling out other tricks to get Pickens off his game.
"A game like this showed me they are looking for me," Pickens said Sunday. "They are trying to antagonize me. Today was the first day I saw anything like that where guys are trying to get me out of the game or get under my skin, deliberately."
Pickens said after plays Rams players would give him an extra shove on the ground. He's learning that he just can't respond to it. He said the taunting penalty he got was just talking like he does playfully during practice. The second-year receiver is learning where his limits are in what he can say.
Head coach Mike Tomlin admitted there are some things to clean up as far as managing their emotions. He uses one of his favorite clichés of 'rather saying whoa than sick 'em'. Tomlin believes what you are seeing from Pickens is his competitiveness. He believes he will learn to play with the right mindset and be more of a professional.
If he can figure all of that out, the Steelers potentially have a star in the making. Quarterback Kenny Pickett said there is a lot where he can still grow. He's nowhere near his ceiling. They are just now starting to get him the ball in different situations and he believes their relationship will continue to grow.
He also continues to be pushed by Steelers receivers coach Frisman Jackson.
"I want him to continue to make plays," Jackson said. "I want him, when the opportunity presents itself, to go make the play. Whether he's getting singled coverage. Whether they are doubling him-he still has the opportunity to make a play. I expect him to make every single catch."
"He laughs sometimes because I feel that way. I tell him if I'm wrong for expecting you to make every play, than I'll just be wrong."
"He has that high expectation for himself. George is going to keep working and keep grinding. He comes out here and he works every single day. If he continues to do that and take advantage of one-on-one opportunities. We will be fine. He will be fine."
Pickens has been more than fine this year, in the four Steelers wins, Pickens has 19 catches for 437 yards and a pair of touchdowns. That's 23 yards per catch.
They will need some more of what his coach demands from him, but if Pickens hasn't hit the ceiling, neither has the Steelers offense.
