Steelers’ Arthur Smith Reveals Interesting Details About Working With George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans are eagerly anticipating the offensive changes Arthur Smith will bring to the Steel City in 2024. Following a disappointing 2023 season, where Pittsburgh's offense struggled significantly, the team made several major moves in the offseason. Hiring Smith as the new offensive coordinator was one of the most impactful changes.

Another significant move was trading away wide receiver Diontae Johnson, making George Pickens the star receiver for the first time in his professional career. With the Steelers’ offense heavily relying on Pickens, his performance this season will be crucial. Despite producing in an unfavorable offensive setup last season, Pickens now has the advantage of improved quarterback play, a new offensive coordinator, and an exciting offensive line. This new environment positions Pickens to make a significant impact in 2024 and put the league on notice.

Smith recently discussed Pickens and his talents through a team-provided transcript. While Steelers fans are well aware of Pickens' capabilities with the football, concerns about his attitude and effort have lingered. Smith's insights provide fans with a clearer understanding of Pickens' work ethic during practice and his interactions with coaches, helping to address these concerns and set expectations for the upcoming season.

"I think George has made progress every day. I was fired up to see him make that play at the end of the two-minute drive, and his growth and development," Smith said. "George is a very instinctive football player. He sees the game well, and different ways to use George - I've really, so far, enjoyed working with George. And he's producing. He's a critical part of our offense."

A lot has been made about Pickens attitude and effort during the 2023 season. The most notable moment was when Pickens failed to block for running back Jaylen Warren on a potential scoring play. To address these concerns, the Steelers brought in a no-nonsense wide receivers coach this offseason in Zach Azzanni.

Azzanni joins Pittsburgh's coaching staff with 26 seasons of experience working with wide receivers. Known for his strict approach, he doesn't tolerate any lack of effort, which is exactly what Pickens needs. As training camp got underway, reports emerged of a heated exchange between Azzanni and Pickens. While concerning for Steelers fans, this incident also underscores the accountability Azzanni is bringing to the team.

The hope is that working with Azzanni will help Pickens reach his full potential and develop as a leader. Entering his third season with the team, Pickens is expected to adopt a more positive attitude and step into a leadership role. 

Steelers' George Pickens Must Stay Positive In 2024

Pickens is a special player with incredible catch-making abilities, and if he can become a positive leader, he has a very bright future in Pittsburgh. Over his two seasons with the Steelers, Pickens has caught 115 passes for 1,941 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. With significant improvements made across the board on offense, many pundits believe Pickens is set to have the best season of his career.

Pickens will draw a lot of attention from opposing secondaries, especially after the Steelers traded Johnson. He will face coverages he hasn't seen before, but remains confident in his ability to handle them. 

The 2024 season will be very telling for Pickens and his future in Pittsburgh. If he lives up to the expectations of Smith and Steelers fans, he could have a long and successful career with the team. Conversely, if he shows a poor attitude and lack of effort, his time in Pittsburgh could be short-lived.

How do you expect the 2024 season to pan out for Pickens, Smith, and this Steelers offense as a whole? Will we see a significant jump in production from last season, or more of the same? Click to comment below, or on our social media feeds.

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