PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – As Kenny Pickett and George Pickens seem to be building a rapport with 28 targets the last four weeks, Mike Tomlin warning Pickett to not stare him down.
“They’ve made some plays, but I think a kind of catalyst for him moving forward and in minimizing negativity is to not get zeroed in on any particular eligible, to take what defenses give him and do some of those things,” Tomlin said.
For a quarterback who’s thrown seven interceptions in parts of four games, you understand the advice. As tempting as it would be to lock in on Pickens, his head coach believes that could help the defense by telegraphing his passes. Tomlin also thinks Pickett has others in the offense who can contribute, sometimes making a significant impact.
“Obviously, Chase [Claypool] made a lot of plays versus Tampa and merited some attention in this game,” Tomlin said Tuesday. “Diontae [Johnson] merits attention each and every week; he’s the more senior of all the guys.”
He said all of that also has created opportunities for tight end Pat Freiermuth, who returned from a concussion with eight catches on nine targets for 75 yards against the Dolphins.
“I think that’s why you surround him with quality eligibles so he has a complete arsenal, and he can make rhythmic decisions based on what was being presented to him,” Tomlin said. “I know that’s his and our intention.”
It’s not that Tomlin has an issue with Pickens or how he is playing. After a slow start with single catches each of the first two games and only 65 yards after three games, Pickens has come on. His fourth game was his first 100-yarder, then six catches against the Bills and another six against the Dolphins.
“He loves to play football,” Tomlin said. “He’s a competitor. The guys that love to play football, it shows up in everything that they do. It doesn’t matter whether it’s something specific to their job.”
“He loves to play. He’s excited when he makes plays, he’s excited when other people make plays. He’s good with the ball, he’s good without the ball. He’s a football player. He loves to play.”
While inconsistent in their play, he’s high not only on Pickens but the fellow rookie at quarterback. Even if the stats or results don’t show it yet.
“He is a fish in water,” Tomlin said of how Pickett is responding to game situations. “It’s a natural act for him.
He’s a competitor. He’s got a thirst for it. It’s been fun being in those circumstances.”
“Obviously, we want the outcomes to be different. But to communicate with him professionally and to watch him operate, to watch his demeanor, to watch his approach to those circumstances, it’s exciting and refreshing.”