The Pittsburgh Steelers have a lot to work on throughout training camp, especially with all the new faces that are working their ways through the team. George Pickens is trying to develop some chemistry with Justin Fields, but that may change if Russell Wilson can get healthy soon enough and take back his first-team reps. So far, Pickens has been working well with Fields as the two grow and develop together, as he has quickly become the new quarterback's favorite target so far in training camp, and that is expected to continue into the season.
-544x306.jpg "Steelers Mike Tomlin George Pickens Diontae Johnson")
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talks with receivers George Pickens (#14) and Diontae Johnson (#18) after repeated taunting calls against the Los Angeles Rams.
Mike Tomlin was asked about that level of chemistry between Fields and Pickens after the 10th day of training camp. He quickly shut down the idea that Fields had any part in the maturation of the team's top receiver.
"You know, I can throw the ball to George too. George is pretty good."
The Steelers knew all about Pickens' talents, which is why they drafted him in the first place. He has made circus catch after circus catch throughout the few training camps that he has gone through while in Pittsburgh. He has his fair share of highlight-reel plays during the meaningful games as well, and he is expected to keep those up while doing the little things right more often.
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Wide receiver George Pickens makes a one-handed catch for the Pittsburgh Steelers with Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. defending.
Fields has seen that high level of talent first-hand, and he has not hesitated to get the ball to him as often as possible. Through all the team drills, Fields has been finding a way to get him the ball. Good quarterbacks always have a top target they can rely on, and Pickens has acted as a safety blanket for his young quarterback. If Fields ends up starting for the Steelers, that will be a combination to watch out for.
After being shut out 7-0 in Seven Shots yesterday, the defense gets a measure of redemption. A couple sacks and a pick leads to a 5-2 win.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) August 3, 2024
Pickens quickly becoming Fields’ favorite red zone target. pic.twitter.com/0MGJxBffuu
Tomlin does not see chemistry between them yet, as he just believes that Pickens' talent is taking over, as opposed to the new quarterback/receiver combination just developing a strong connection together. While he is one of the most talented receivers in the NFL, developing chemistry is still key for the young receiver, especially in a new system with new quarterbacks. Pickens will have to be the leader that the Steelers expect him to be.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) and wide receiver George Pickens (#14) are huge factors in the Steelers offense succeeding
Steelers' Fans Should Know That Tomlin's Claim Isn't Necessarily Correct
When Tomlin said that he could even throw passes to Pickens, that was implying that anyone could. However, the Steelers have first-hand experience of that not being the case. With Kenny Pickett at quarterback, Pickens had a few great games combined with a bunch of duds. Pickett had his issues getting the ball to his draft-class mate on a regular basis, and it was sparking some alleged outrage.
Mitch Trubisky did not do any better, as Pickens was very quiet when he was the quarterback. It wasn't until Mason Rudolph became the quarterback that he was able to show off all of his talent. Even when Rudolph failed to even give Pickens a target in the final game of the 2023 regular season, he had nothing but praise for how he was a team player and how he was able to handle the situation and still do his part to secure a win.
What do you think about Tomlin downplaying the chemistry that Fields and Pickens have developed together? Will they be able to develop it some more throughout the regular season? Let us know in the comments below!
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