Steelers' Head-Scratching Offensive Decisions Continue With George Pickens' Sidelined

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their second straight game to fall to 10-5 in 2024. While the Steelers have been without their number one receiver George Pickens in their last two games, there was hopes that other receivers would be able to pick up the workload. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem that anyone has stepped up to challenge. Many thought Mike Williams would be the one to step up for the Steelers during Pickens absence, but the coaching staff still isn't giving him the opportunities.

The Steelers acquired the veteran to help bolster their thin depth at the wide receiver position. The deep threat receiver was underutilized in his nine-game stint with the New York Jets, having just 12 catches for 166 yards and zero touchdowns. When the Jets traded for Davante Adams, the Steelers jumped at the opportunity to get Williams and sent New York a fifth-round pick for the receiver. 

In his first game for Pittsburgh, Williams caught the game-winning touchdown against the Washington Commanders. While many thought that big catch would give the coaching staff the confidence to give Williams more snaps, but the opposite has occurred.

While Scotty Miller has been with the team since the offseason, Williams' snaps still should have seen an increase by now, especially with Pickens on the sidelines for the third-straight game. Williams talked about stepping up to plate when it came to Pickens' absence and with the lack of depth at the position, most would think Williams would have a higher usage six games into his stint with Pittsburgh. 

It would seem that the Steelers just gave away a fifth-round pick to the Jets. This was Williams' sixth game with Pittsburgh and he hasn't made an impact outside of his one catch in Washington. So far, he has only pulled in eight catches for 107 yards with just one touchdown in a Steelers uniform. In half of his games that he has suited up for the Steelers, he hasn't receive a single target. 

The Steelers settled for Williams after making attempt after attempt for a receiver for months. They missed out on Brandon Aiyuk, Adams, Christian Kirk before his season ending injury, and Deandre Hopkins. Any one of them would have been a massive acquisition for Pittsburgh. While Willams isn't the same caliber player as those other receivers, he was still an upgrade in the lackluster receiver room. 

With a short week once again for the Steelers as they prepare to host the defending back-to-back Super Bowl Champions, they hope to find some type of rhythm in the pass game. With two straight poor outings for the offense, something has to change. Christmas could be the day that Arthur Smith gives Williams the opportunity that he has been waiting for, especially if Pickens is out once again for the Steelers. 

Steelers' Lack Of Wide Receiver Depth Could Lead To An Early Exit In The Playoffs

The Steelers have shown in the last three weeks that they are dependent on Pickens being on the field. The current state of the receiver room is one of the big weaknesses for Pittsburgh. Williams, who could have been a solid piece in the Steelers' pass game, just cannot get on the field for reasons unknown. 

Pittsburgh would have been better off keeping their fifth-rounder if this was the plan for Williams. Fans can really only hope for Pickens to get back onto the field as quickly as possible and stay healthy, because the passing game just can't get the job done without him out there.

Why do you think Williams is not seeing the field as much as he should? Do you think the Steelers should have just kept their fifth round pick? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

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