Steelers Insider Blames Coaching Staff For Massive Mishandling Of George Pickens In 2022

The Pittsburgh Steelers have earned a reputation for drafting and developing wide receivers. Employing a Hall of Fame quarterback like Ben Roethlisberger for the better part of two decades certainly helped enhance the perception. They have also been very selective about who they retain at the position. Only Hines Ward, Antonio Brown and Diontae Johnson earned second contracts in Pittsburgh.

In 2022, the Steelers drafted two wide receivers after they selected Kenny Pickett in the first round. They picked George Pickens in the second round and Calvin Austin III in the fourth. Austin did not see the field due to an injury in his rookie campaign. Pickens, on the other hand, was a revelation. Despite being hamstrung by Matt Canada's offense, he consistently flashed elite talent.

Mark Kaboly, who covers the Steelers for The Athletic, joined the PM Team w/Poni & Mueller on Friday to discuss the team's current state. Chris Mueller asked the long-time reporter how the offense might look different. Specifically, asking if Pickens will take a big leap.

“They need it if they are going to be successful,” Kaboly observed. “Are they going to allow him to do it? They pretty much cut his nose off to spite his face, to describe what happened the second half of last year. Not giving him the opportunity to grow with the limited amount of snaps he had last year.”

Pickens's usage rate before the Atlanta Falcons game was not ideal. After his sideline outburst demanding the ball, it got positively bizarre. Pickens was sitting out as much as 25 percent of the time in favor of Gunner Olszewski and Miles Boykin. Even more frustrating for fans was that he would come off the field in the red zone, taking away a key weapon for Pickett.

“To me, I think he can take that step,” Kaboly continued. “If you allow him to get down the field. Have him have a dozen or so 20 to 30-to-40-yard catches in that range. I think that’s a big possibility. I don’t know if anyone else currently on the roster that has that ability to be able to go down the field and stretch it like that.”

Pickens's ability to haul in balls from Mitch Trubisky and Pickett that otherwise looked like they could not be caught was mind-boggling. His first primetime appearance on Thursday Night Football produced arguably the catch of the year against the Cleveland Browns. 

Pickens also displayed amazing hand strength in combat catch situations, but deep shots to Pickens were few and too far between.

“I think George Pickens will have that opportunity to step up,” Kaboly concluded. “It’s a year, certain positions I do think you see a bigger jump. Wide receiver you are a little bit more conditioned. You are a little bit more aware of your surroundings. I wouldn’t be expecting godly numbers, but I do expect him to be a lot better than he was last year.”

In 2022, the rookie receiver finished third on the team in receptions behind Johnson with 86 catches and Pat Freiermuth with 63. Pickens had 52 catches on almost half as many targets as Johnson and averaged over five yards per catch more. He trailed only Najee Harris in total touchdowns among the offensive playmakers.

Steelers Diontae Johnson Predicted To Lose Targets To George Pickens In 2023

If the targets even out between him and Johnson, he could become a 1,000-yard receiver and produce touchdowns. The Steelers were woeful in 2022 when it came to passing touchdowns because the man they targeted 147 times failed to score a single touchdown. That has to change in 2023. 

The Steelers have a huge receiving group in Pickens, Freiermuth, Allen Robinson and Darnell Washington. Pickett has four big targets at his disposal near the goal line, and five if you count Zach Gentry. The next step is for Canada to actually let them play together in the red zone.

Pickens is the darling of many national pundits. His talent is glaring, and it is only a question of when, not if, he will break out. If it is not by design in 2023 then Canada has horribly mismanaged the offense. It will fall to Pickett to improvise opportunities if that is the case. Ignoring Canada’s play calls might just provide the offensive leap fans are hoping for from both players in their second year.

What do you think Steeler Nation? Are you convinced that Pickens is too talented for even Matt Canada to restrain? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.

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