The Pittsburgh Steelers are having a strong season so far. The team currently sits at 6-2 and has certainly raised the expectations that were set for them prior to the start of the 2024 season. The group started the season strong, but then elevated their play even more once Russell Wilson got healthy and became the starting quarterback. A player who has benefitted from Wilson taking the reigns of the offense is George Pickens, who has been able to heighten his play while catching passes from the veteran.
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Steelers' George Pickens during practice ahead of a Week 7 matchup with the New York Jets in 2024.
Pickens has had his issues in 2024, but he has been playing well through Wilson's first two starts. The third-year player is a physical receiver, and sometimes that gets him into trouble. During Pittsburgh's Week 1 game against the Atlanta Falcons, Pickens had a deep ball called back because he pushed off of the defender to create separation. He doesn't always get called for it, but it is clear the young receiver has an issue with creating contact at the top of routes.
One defender who has covered Pickens in 2024 is Sauce Gardner. He recently appeared on The Richard Sherman Podcast where he shared how he approached his matchup with the Pittsburgh receiver.
"George Pickens, he run a route, he push off hella," Gardner said. "I talked to the ref, matter of fact, I talked to the ref before the game, I don't know his name. I'm like, 'Ref, just know this is going to be a physical matchup, he likes pushing off.' Ref said, 'You know we watch film too. I know he is a huge push off guy, we're going to let y'all play.' And he was talking about me and Pickens."
Every time Pickens catches a deep ball, Pittsburgh fans hold their breath. The wide out toes the line when it comes to physicality and he can easily be called for more penalties than he is. Thankfully for Pickens in that game against Gardner and the New York Jets, the wide receiver didn't get called for any penalties, but he did draw a pass interference call against Gardner which gained 29 yards for Pittsburgh.
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Steelers' George Pickens runs with the football against the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
Pickens played his best game of the season against Gardner and the Jets' defense. He brought in five passes for 111 yards and a touchdown in what was his first game with Wilson at quarterback. Moving forward, Pickens will need to be careful with how he acts at the top of his routes. He needs to find a way to hide how much he pushes off, because referees around the league are taking notice of the tactics he uses to get open.
As a player in the league, it is dangerous to develop a reputation like this. Officials will give less benefit of the doubt to Pickens if he continues to be a player that pushes off or gets too physical with defensive backs at the top of his routes.
Steelers' George Pickens Is Set To Have A Big Day Against The Washington Commanders
The Steelers will look to improve to 7-2 when they take on the red-hot Washington Commanders on Sunday, and this is a matchup where Pickens should shine. Washington has struggled at cornerback, which is why they went out an acquired Marshon Lattimore at the 2024 NFL trade deadline. The star cornerback is still dealing with an injury, so he won't be playing against the Steelers.
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Marshon Lattimore looks on before a game during his time with the Saints.
Pickens and Wilson have been building up their chemistry over the last couple of weeks, and that should be on full display in Week 10. This is a clear spot the Steelers need to take advantage of on Sunday if they want to come away with a win over the Commanders.
What do you think of Gardner's comments? Have you noticed Pickens pushing off? Let us know in the comments below!
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