PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said they didn't want a little problem to turn into a big one. That problem might be bigger than first thought. Post-Gazette's Gerry Dulac reporting Pickens has a Grade 2 hamstring injury, which by definition is a slight tear, and could/likely to miss the game in Philadelphia.
Sunday was the only NFL game Pickens has ever missed. It would seem if there was one player the Steelers would struggle without, it's him. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the fourth best receiver in the AFC and is one of the best at chunk plays.
Receiver depth isn't a new conversation. From Brandon Aiyuk to, you name the potentially available player, it's been speculated all year. It was an area of concern even when the Steelers believed they had talented options. How would the rest of the group do?
It wasn't good early in the season. Receivers other than George had two catches for eight yards in the opener in Atlanta. Three catches for 14 yards at Denver. But it's gotten better, even before the Cleveland game. When they needed production against the Browns, eight WR catches for 88 yards in a game with only 158 passing yards.
"It's what we've been kind of discovering or rediscovering throughout every component of this process," Tomlin said. "You guys were asking us about a lack of 'number two' in team development. The strength of the pack is the pack. We got a bunch of guys that want to be the reasons why we're successful, and when given an opportunity, I think they continually prove that."
"For us, as the other receivers on the team, we want to show Russ that we are capable of making plays also," said receiver Mike Williams, three catches for 36 yards including a big third down Sunday. "When you put the ball up there, Scotty made a big play also. Van with a touchdown. When we are out there, take advantage of our opportunities and make plays."
"It's crazy, but when opportunity comes you got to be ready or someone else is going to get it," said receiver Scotty Miller, who directly benefitted from Pickens being inactive. He had three catches including a third-down catch in the fourth quarter down the left side where he had to tightrope the sidelines.
"It's credit to the receiver room," said Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth. "We have a lot of good players in there and they stepped up big time. For Scotty to come in today, I think he was inactive and then George was down. For him to flip a switch and make big plays. A credit to him and who he is and the whole receiver room and Coach Z."
Calvin Austin went right to Coach Z (receivers coach Zach Azzanni) for credit as well. Austin said Azzanni gathered the group together to talk about the situation. In practice, they play different positions so they will be ready if this scenario comes up where they have to play without someone, especially in-game or with late notice. It was more than just a random receiver, it was the Steelers leading receiver and one of the best in the league.
"I think the fact we got so many guys we can trust," said quarterback Russell Wilson. "I think when you got guys that can step up like Scotty Miller today, which was unbelievable plays by him. I trust him. I have no doubt he's going to make a great play. Same thing with Big Mike. These are guys that we trust."
Then there is Wilson's ability to move the ball around and find the open receiver. In the win Sunday, nine different receivers caught passes. Against the Bengals, 10 did.
"Obviously you want to spread the ball around," said receiver Van Jefferson who made a nice catch on a low throw for a score vs. Cleveland. "There is only one ball, but I think Russ does a great job of distributing balls to guys. It's just our job to make plays and catch it when it comes our way."
"I've been on teams before where you are sitting on the sideline knowing you ain't never going to be in the game," Miller said. "Just knowing that it can come to you at any moment is a fun feeling as a playmaker. The defense can't just key in on one player, they have to guard all of us."
It worked against Cleveland, but the starting on Sunday the Steelers are at 11-2 Philadelphia, then it's the rematch in Baltimore in a critical AFC North game followed by the best team in the AFC (KC).
Can this group, that heard over and over that they weren't good enough, make impact plays against playoff teams?
"I think they continually prove that, whether Scotty or Mike or Calvin or Van," Tomlin said. "We believe in our group. I know I've said that to you guys repeatedly."
"Maybe you'll start believing me."
