National outlet warns Steelers' player about match-up ahead
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has made it clear more than once now. He wants the ball. To be fair, he made his case last week when he made an insane catch versus the Cleveland Browns that rivals OBJ's infamous catch in 2014. But will that lead to a sudden spotlight for the rookie […]
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has made it clear more than once now. He wants the ball.
To be fair, he made his case last week when he made an insane catch versus the Cleveland Browns that rivals OBJ's infamous catch in 2014.
But will that lead to a sudden spotlight for the rookie on offense? That's a tall ask on a wide receiver room that features Chase Claypool and Diontae Johnson, whom the Steelers just paid big money before the start of the season.
Chances are his role will continue to increase considering he only has five catches for 65 yards through three games and has proven himself since the offseason.
But Pro Football Focus analyst Nic Bodiford warns that this weekend's game versus the New York Jets might not be set up for a breakout game for Pittsburgh's second-round rookie. According to the fantasy football analyst, Pickens has a tough match-up ahead:
"Rolling with Pickens this week is inadvisable, though. PFF’s WR/CB matchup chart projects him to face Gardner (67.2 PFF coverage grade) and veteran D.J. Reed Jr. (80.5 PFF coverage) on a combined 54 receiving snaps this week. The two matchups have respectively earned him 18.9 and 0.0 matchup advantage ratings, the latter number is tied for the lower such rating on the Week 4 slate."
While that's fantasy football advice, it sheds light on what's next for the Steelers' rookie receiver. On the other hand, the Jets are the 32nd-ranked pass defense per Football Outsiders' DVOA metric.
Pickens has lined up out wide primarily, which could give him more opportunities given the offense's lack of throws to the middle of the field.
If the Steelers' passing offense can get it going against any team in the league, it should be the Jets. But don't underestimate rookie 'Sauce' Gardner, who's rapidly rising for the Jets. On paper, this secondary seems like a better unit than what its production says.
Featured image via Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK
