Steelers' Zach Azzanni Is "Part Receiver Coach, Part Psychologist" For George Pickens' Success

To maximize George Pickens' potential and the entire wide receiver group, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni sees his role as more than just drills and Xs and Os. Azzanni views his job as a blend of coaching and mental management. This dual role he emphasized is a crucial aspect of working with the Steelers' receiving corps.

When asked how much of his job is figuring out what buttons to push when trying to get the best play out of Pickens, Azzanni was very candid in his response.

"That's a lot of my job," Azzanni responded. "But that's not only him, that's all of them, you know, that's my job, part receiver coach, part psychologist."

 For Azzanni, his job is to understand the mindset of each player and know exactly when to encourage them.

"There’s only one ball, right? And they always feel like they could impact the game if you just throw me the ball, right," Azzanni explained. "Sometimes it’s tempering those thoughts, and sometimes it’s raring them up."

With 26 years of coaching, Azzanni understands that getting the most out of his receivers isn't the same approach for each player. 

With the Steelers sitting 6-2 at the bye week and a tough stretch of games coming up, the demand for Azzanni's unit will only increase. With that, he may need to push Pickens and the other receivers' buttons even more to encourage them.

"I think every week, I still learn which buttons to push," explained Azzanni. "But that is a key factor for sure."

Azzanni expressed, showing that he is still learning when and how to motivate his unit in his first year with the Steelers.

The importance of this psychological approach becomes even clearer as the Steelers look to solidify their offensive identity. While Pickens has emerged more with Russell Wilson at the helm, Azzanni's focus on mental preparation applies to all receivers, fostering a competitive environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute. By bringing in healthy competition and managing players' mental states, Azzanni aims to create a cohesive unit that excels individually and collectively.

Each receiver on the field has a different strength. Azzanni understands this and his psychological method of working with the dynamic is the only way to keep the whole receiver room in check and motivated. With matchups against the Washington Commanders after the bye, having to face each team in the AFC North twice, and the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas, all of which could bring offensive shootouts, the receiver room will need his motivation and push.

As competition intensifies, Azzanni’s understanding of the game's mental aspects will be vital for players who struggle to find their rhythm amid the challenges. He must strike a delicate balance between keeping players grounded and encouraging them to seize opportunities. His skill in navigating these dynamics can help his receivers excel, regardless of the pressures they encounter.

Steelers’ Future Outlook

Going forward, Azzanni’s efforts to build the Steelers’ wide receiver group could just be the difference between unlocking their true potential or ending up frustrated and short of expectations. By the time the season reaches its midpoint, the Steelers will face a series of challenges to the exact kind of challenge that Azzanni’s psychological prowess will need to balance against the players’ physical abilities. 

So far, the Steelers have had some brilliant moments, but the mental management it takes to make a deep playoff run comes down to Azzanni’s ability to understand the emotional territory of those under his care. His philosophy is built on a solid foundation. As the Steelers navigate tougher opponents this season, Azzanni will have a key role in keeping the unit sharp and on task. 

#SteelerNation