To date by means of two video games, WR George Pickens is a big portion of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ passing recreation. That isn’t unusual for high receivers, in fact, however the Steelers are getting comparatively little from everybody else. That goes particularly for the opposite huge receivers, who’ve completed subsequent to nothing up to now.
The issue is, the Steelers aren’t even getting the manufacturing they need to after they goal Pickens. And that’s all people however Pickens’ fault, just about. As I talked about yesterday, he already has 135 hidden yards this 12 months, most of which they misplaced through penalty. And that features a landing, even when a few of that loss is because of questionable calls.
“At this level, we’re the one ones that may cease George Pickens”, Charlie Batch stated on the WDVE Morning Present. “And I say that as a result of each time there’s a giant play, it’s all the time referred to as again, and there’s issues that get irritating with it”.
Batch is referring to exactly what I discussed above—optimistic performs by Pickens worn out by penalty. He caught a wonderful 51-yard cross on Sunday {that a} Broderick Jones holding penalty negated. Later within the recreation, he caught a six-yard landing cross negated by an unlawful decide name.
“One factor I do reward George [Pickens] on is making an attempt to only keep affected person and keep the course”, Batch added. “As a result of he may have gotten annoyed as the sport went on Sunday, however he didn’t. …. In the event you add that [51-yard catch] to his stats, we’re speaking about George ending with 90 yards versus the pedestrian 26 yards that he had. So it’s simply one thing that we’ve got to reside with at this specific level”.
I made the identical level within the article linked above about Pickens’ endurance. Contemplating the variety of performs he has made that haven’t counted, primarily based on his historical past, I believe we must be impressed together with his poise so far. To the very best of my information, he has been freed from tantrums, however maybe as a result of he is aware of the place he stands. Whereas he might not be placing up big numbers, he’s clearly the Steelers’ high goal. When the ball is within the air, it’s in all probability discovering him.
On the similar time, there isn’t any query the Steelers have to chop down on the penalties. And that’s for excess of simply the sake of George Pickens and his stat line. They have already got one thing like 18 penalties up to now by means of two video games. It’s to the purpose that head coach Mike Tomlin vowed to herald officers for each apply this week.
The Steelers have actually damage themselves with penalties up to now this 12 months, none damage extra by them than Pickens. However traditionally, they do clear up on this space over the course of the season. Whereas they work these items out, Pickens is retaining his poise and doing his job. And he’s making it apparent that he has much more to offer. If solely the Steelers can get to it.
