PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It's about how they skinny down the game plan so Mitch Trubisky can play fast and get it to the playmakers. That has been the work this week by Steelers offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner in getting his second-game starting QB ready and finding receiver George Pickens.
After a promising first game in Cincinnati, struggles including the loss of Kenny Pickett against the Cardinals. More struggles as Trubisky started against the Patriots. While he believes the offense is confident, they are working on getting Trubisky to believe in his offensive line so he will have time to throw.
What he believes works for Trubisky is just letting him play and letting it fly.
"He's out there just flinging that thing, having fun and playing ball," Faulkner said Wednesday. "I think that's what Mitch is a little bit. He's a guy that's going to push the ball down the field and take shots and opportunities. Hopefully we can continue to build on that and what his personality is."
"We need the reps, I need the reps," Trubisky said. "This allows me to continue to get comfortable in the offense and continue to work on timing with these guys and operating the offense. So, a full week of work is going to be helpful."
Finding George
No 100-yard games since October 22, one touchdown since October 8 and only 19 yards receiving against the Patriots, probably not surprising the offense continues to struggle for points. What is Faulkner doing to get George Pickens the ball more often?
"We definitely need to," Faulkner said Wednesday. "That's something that we are always thinking about and trying to scheme to get done. Then we got to throw the ball to him. We are going to continue to never tire on trying to get GP the ball. We know what kind of talent he is."
Those are great words. I think all can nod in agreement. Encouraging that Faulkner said publicly that they need to throw him the ball. It's never good to not go full on a play or be seen complaining on the sidelines, but can't you feel the second-year receiver's frustration?
"I think what gets lost in the sauce a lot of times, these guys are competitors, they want to win," Faulkner said. "It is coming from a good place when they show their frustrations. We work with them through that. We are still dealing with young men and developing them with how to deal with certain issues."
Faulkner said Pickens has been receptive to coaching. He says the key to work through problems is communication and he's been receptive to talking about what bothers him and then listening to their advice.
Bottom line, Pickens must be involved for the Steelers offense to grow.
Playoffs now
The first couple of practice of the week have been good by all accounts including Faulkner's. He's been pleased with the work as they've thoughtfully pushed the team.
"You are always toeing a line where you are not creating a panic, or do anything like that, but at the same time heighten their sense of urgency with what is going on," Faulkner said. "I don't feel like I need to say anything other than 'guys we are in the playoffs right now'. We will be for the remainder of the year. That's got to be our mentality and urgency."
