Steelers' George Pickens Feels Confident In Offensive Growth Ahead Of Week 12

The Pittsburgh Steelers fired Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada on the heels of a devastating loss to the Cleveland Browns during Week 11. This has left many wondering what will change with this struggling Steelers offense. They rank nearly dead last in every way on offense this season, despite a promising offseason, NFL Draft, and preseason performance. While fans and the media have reveled in the news of Canada's firing, many of the players have reminded us of the more human side of professional football. Now Pittsburgh's promising young wide receiver, George Pickens, has shared with the media that he feels optimistic about the offense and the potential improvement. 

This is good news considering Pickens has been quite outspoken in expressing his frustration about the team's play-calling and performance. According to a video posted by 93.7 The Fan, on Twitter/X, Pickens is looking forward to proving himself. 

"Our confidence is already there. Our guys in the receiver room, we're not gonna shy away from it, we're gonna still try to get open. It's a little bit about us too, we just trying to keep working," said Pickens to the media.

There is no doubt that Pickens is desperate to get involved. The entire Steelers offense has been lackluster this season, but while the run game saw some improvements with the addition of rookie tackle Broderick Jones on the line, the passing game has remained deflated. Through 10 games in 2023, Pickens has only 37 receptions for 604 yards and three touchdowns. That leaves him with a Pro Football Focus grade of 70.8. 

While the grade isn't bad, it is frustrating to watch someone as talented as Pickens go underutilized. Pickens recently told Chris Adamski from the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, that he thinks this might help the passing game. When asked if the coaching change would help the passing game open up, he acknowledged his hopes. 

"I would hope so, all I can do personally is just keep working, but I would hope so," agreed Pickens.

Even current players, such as defensive captain and podcaster, Cam Heyward, have mentioned the lack of success in attempting to pass the ball. If the Steelers are going to win games and have any kind of shot at the postseason, then they have to have a balanced offense.   

Steelers Promote From Within To Fill Offensive Coordinator Spot

Canada's tenure as coordinator in Pittsburgh has not been an easy one for anyone. Fans have been widely unhappy with his seemingly sophomoric play-calling. The team has been fortunate to have a defense powerful enough to keep them in games and allow them to squeak out, or flat-out secure some wins. However, everyone knew that wasn't enough. Sooner or later, it would come crashing down and that was exactly what happened in the loss to the Browns.

Now Canada is gone and Head Coach Mike Tomlin has announced that running backs coach Eddie Faulkner will take over as the interim offensive coordinator, while quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan will assume the role of play-caller. The two are currently only filling in for the remainder of the season until a more permanent decision can be made. But it does allow young quarterback Kenny Pickett, and the offense, to hopefully maintain some consistency while looking to improve the play-calling. 

Both Faulkner and Sullivan have previously been offensive coordinators. Faulker at Ball State, where he was also interim head coach. He has been with the Steelers since 2019. Sullivan led the offense for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Giants. He has an excellent rapport with Pickett and has been working closely with him since he was drafted in 2022.

The Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 12 and it will be interesting to see what, if anything, changes on offense (particularly with the passing game). 

What do you think about the passing game? Do you share Pickens' optimism that it will be better now? Click to comment below. 

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