After winning three straight to start the season, the Steelers have lost two in a row. Both games were lost by three points and Pittsburgh is 3-2 on the year. They gave up a last-second touchdown in Week 5, losing 20-17 to the Cowboys. Pittsburgh will face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.
Speaking with the media this week, George Pickens noted that his playing time has been limited so far this season. The 23-year-old noted that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was responsible for the decision. Pickens is without a doubt the Steelers’ most talented WR. But Pickens doesn’t see the same work as a true WR1. Will things change after his public comments to the press this week?
George Pickens is frustrated with how the Steelers use him offensively.
George Pickens: Playing time is up to Arthur Smith. https://t.co/BZOyml8ZdJ
— Pro Football Talk (@ProFootballTalk) October 10, 2024
In the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the Steelers selected WR George Pickens from Georgia. As a rookie, Pickens appeared in all 17 of the Steelers’ games and made 12 starts. He had 52 catches for 801 yards and four touchdowns in his first year. With the Steelers in 2023, Pickens again appeared in all 17 games and made 16 starts. He finished the season with 63 catches for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns. Pickens (18.1 yards per reception) led the entire league in 2023. Explosive play through the air is what gave Pickens success last season.
Five games into 2023, Pickens is not off to a hot start. He has had 100+ receiving yards in just one game this season. Additionally, Pickens is playing only 73% of the team’s offensive snaps. This compares to 87% in 2023. Pittsburgh’s offense is not suited to passing the ball with Arthur Smith as its offensive coordinator. The Steelers are turning the ball over more times per game (32.8) compared to passing attempts (27.4). They are top five in rushing attempts and bottom five in passing attempts per game. All of this considering George Pickens is off to a slow start to the 2024 season. Could Pickens’ public comments about his usage lead to a few more targets for the WR in Week 6?
