Pittsburgh Steelers fix huge George Pickens problem, but a new one arises

LAS VEGAS — The Pittsburgh Steelers might have cracked the code for one George Pickens problem, but another one has arisen entirely. Pickens’ snap count ballooned against the Las Vegas Raiders to 45 snaps, the most out of any wide receiver on the team. He saw far more work in heavier personnel packages than a week ago when he played just 34 snaps, a career-low. That went well, and although the Steelers mixed in five different wide receivers and four different tight ends, Pittsburgh was able to maximize Pickens’ snaps.

Pickens, however, has now caught just six of his last 15 targets. The Steelers did not scheme him open much, outside of a 31-yard explosion from Justin Fields to Pickens on a post route. Instead, the team gave him far more one-on-one opportunities to make something happen with his great hands and body control. In a rare game where nothing went his way, Pickens did not make due with any of those opportunities.

While being the only legitimately consistent option in the wide receiver room, Pickens needs to make those plays. This one is not about effort or anything like that, either. Pickens just did not finish those plays.

The Steelers have to go into the film room and see what is going on with Pickens. This has not been a problem in his NFL career, and Pickens generally has some of the best hands in the NFL.

Even if some throws were not pinpointed, Pickens generally makes standout plays and steps up for his team. However, that has not been happening, and it is the biggest source of explosive plays in the passing game. If Pickens continues to struggle in these situations, the need for another wide receiver will become even more urgent as the Steelers look to expand their passing game.

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