Pickens > Jefferson?
On a recent episode of NFL Live, former Steelers safety Ryan Clark got peoples’ attention when he dropped the bombshell that he thinks George Pickens is much more talented than Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson.
Patrick Peterson, who spent the past two seasons playing with and practicing against Jefferson every day in Minnesota, agreed with Clark’s assessment.
“I can see it. GP is very raw, very unpredictable when the ball is coming his way, as far as his catch ability. I called his hands magnets, because the ball comes anywhere near him, and he finds a way to come down with a catch.”
“Justin is a savant at the position,” continued Peterson. “He’s really, really in-tune with how to manipulate the defensive back, how to set his routes up. And, you know, (Jefferson) is going in to year four, (Pickens) is going in to year two, there’s still some things he wants to get better at.”
“But the talent? I probably have to agree with Ryan on that one.”
Put Him In, Coach
With the Steelers’ second preseason game right around the corner, the question is just how much the veteran starters -especially on defense- will play, if at all.
While Cam Heyward, Patrick Peterson, and Minkah Fitzpatrick all deferred to Head Coach Mike Tomlin when asked at various points on Wednesday about how much time they may see, they all also alluded to the fact that there are items for the defense as a whole to brush up on.
“We still gotta knock off some rust,” said Heyward. “I’d like it to happen in a game, because you get a real feel for it.”
Asked if he’s lobbied Tomlin for playing time, Heyward deferred, but implied he’s definitely got a preference, not just for him, but his teammates as well.
“You only have three preseason games. We didn’t play the first one, so there’s only so much guys can do if they’re not on the field. Hopefully we get to address it this week.”
Everybody Loves Darnell
Another day, another veteran heaping praise on rookie tight end Darnell Washington.
On Wednesday it was Minkah Fitzpatrick.
“He’s tough. From a safety standpoint, no matter what you do, no matter how good a coverage you’re in, if the quarterback places a good ball, he’s gonna catch it.”
Fitzpatrick’s effusive praise for both Washington’s strength and speed continued.
“He’s a physical guy, a big body guy, but he’s also an athlete, so he knows how to move. He’s got great body control. I don’t know if he played basketball or not, but he reminds me of a basketball player, just the body control that he has. And then obviously, you know, he’s a monster in the run game. He’s moving outside linebackers and defensive ends like it’s nothing.”
Fitzapatrick already believes Washington is ready to contribute.
“He’s a guy who’s gonna help us out a lot.”
Is Skenes Dunne?
Yesterday we all reacted to what was a very nice outing for Pirates first overall draft pick Paul Skenes on Tuesday night in Bradenton.
TMZ, naturally, had the most important angle covered, as they have since Skenes arrived in Bradenton and Olivia Dunne began dropping hints about her connection to Skenes a few weeks ago.
It’s not quite Cole Tucker/Vanessa Hudgens, but for Pirates fans, I guess it will have to do.