LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Make no mistake, the first play of 2023 Steelers camp being a long pass to George Pickens was no coincidence. Taking those shots is something quarterback Kenny Pickett said they've done a lot of in the first week and will continue to do so.
"A lot more comfortable than last season," Pickett said. "I think we did a good job in Spring building on those things. I think it showed the first week with how smooth we were running with no MAs (missed assignments). Guys are where they needed to be and I thought it was pretty crisp."
It comes down to Pickett saying he has more ownership of the offense. He's been in planning meetings with offensive coordinator Matt Canada. They are combing through plays from last year and deciding the ones they want to keep, the ones that they throw out and maybe a couple of new wrinkles.
"I understand the looks I need to see and take the shots down the field," Pickett said. "I think we saw a good amount of them last week. That's something we want to continue to do and build on. If the shots are there, we are going to take them."
The number one target, while he didn't say it directly, is Pickens. The second-year receiver has the swagger of a top receiver, has made the spectacular plays in games and in camp and now it's being able to finish the routine plays. And making them bigger.
"I just want to hit him in stride and let him go," Pickett said. "He has the wheels. I just want to give him a good ball and let him go do the rest. It's my job to put it where we need to be and let him go be him."
Pickett said there is growth with Pickens. The receiver said he's set a goal of having the most catches in the league and being a Pro Bowler. Pickett said he's put the work in.
"The full routes," Pickett said. "He's definitely worked on his routes. His releases. The full-route tree he has. The crispness of his routes, locked in mentally. He's doing a really good job learning the system and playing different spots so we can move him around which has been great."
A college teammate of Pickens could also be a factor. Pickett is looking to build on more time with rookie Darnell Washington. He said he hasn't had a lot of reps with the 6'7" tight end, but expects he can be a factor in the red zone, even in his first season.
"He's done a great job," Pickett said. "He's doing a great job. I'm sure his mind is like 100 miles-an-hour, but I'm sure it will slow down for him. I'm just excited for the way he's showing up and working. He's mentally locked in and everything else will come."
Last week beside Pickens, the other rookie receiver who was opening eyes was speedster Calvin Austin. The 5'9", 182-pound former Memphis star was showing off his speed, but suffered an injury in camp right before the first preseason game and never played again. The first season a wash, although before the injury he had a number of opportunities with Pickett when they were running third and second-team together.
"His speed obviously pops," Pickett said. "Getting him the ball in space is huge, he's running by guys. He's going to continue to do that. He's been working really hard. Really proud of the way he's worked. He's showed up and is a pro's pro."
He could feel the energy of the first day in pads on Tuesday. Pickett says all were excited and anticipated this day. They all rallied around it. He admitted it may be more fun for him knowing he's one of a few who are off-limits from contact.
"It's just a live feel in the pocket," Pickett explained. "It's full go up front. It's full go everywhere else. It feels like a game to me, obviously not getting hit. Still live reps, which is really good for me."
