PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Mitch Trubisky said postgame Sunday Jacksonville was playing Cover 2 and paying extra attention to George Pickens, that's why he didn't get the ball more. The Steelers second-year receiver had one catch on five targets.
"They did a really good job of doing some different things and rolling coverage his way," head coach Mike Tomlin explained. "But not overly concerned about that component of it. We've had dynamic receivers here before who get a lot of attention."
In the previous two games, Pickens had 11 catches, 18 targets for 237 yards and a touchdown. Pickens did turn that one catch Sunday into a score, but nothing else. Tomlin admitted they need to get their second-year receiver the ball more often. He also said someone needs to step up when defenses limit what Pickens can do.
"When you're right and well, it creates opportunities for others in the running game and passing game and then opens up their opportunities," Tomlin said. "Our issues yesterday was we didn't take advantage of the opportunities provided in other areas because of the attention that George (Pickens) was getting. That's probably our focus as opposed to George. When George occupies two guys, that's a great opportunity for others in the running game and passing game, and it just wasn't enough dominance from us in those other areas."
No respect
Remember the buzz around third-round pick, TE Darnell Washington? Seems like that was a long time ago. Even with Pat Freiermuth out, Washington played 10 snaps on offense and another 10 on special teams. He's been targeted three times this season with one catch. Rodney Williams came up from the practice squad and had 12 snaps, 13 on special teams.
"Just how the game was unfolding," Tomlin said. "Probably we were down multiple scores, particularly late. Rodney (Williams) played a lot there, when we
were in the one-dimensional phase, if you will. Sometimes snap counts don't always reflect intentions from a planning standpoint. It's probably more a reflection of how the game unfolded."
How to plan
Tomlin explained that in preparing for a short week experience of the roster determines what they are able to get accomplished with limited time. There are some areas where he said you can't cut a corner.
"You'd better push the weighty downs to the front of the line, the downs that define games, the downs that comprise highlight shows, possession downs, red zone football, two-minute, things of that nature," Tomlin said. "You can't shortcut any of that."
He said maybe you can skip over some of the first and second down play conversations, although considering their lack of offensive flow, extra prep time might be a better option.
Trades?
Tuesday afternoon is the NFL trade deadline. There are a few rumors out there and Tennessee is one of the teams that has made a significant change. Are the Steelers looking to make a move?
"We're always open for business," Tomlin said.
