Steelers: Breaking down how George Pickens burned the Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers approached Sunday with a must-win mentality. With the Bengals returning to health, and the Ravens already atop the division, a loss would have put Pittsburgh at 2-3 going into the bye week, and looking up at everyone else. Instead, they went home victorious, atop the division, and the third seed in the […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers approached Sunday with a must-win mentality.
With the Bengals returning to health, and the Ravens already atop the division, a loss would have put Pittsburgh at 2-3 going into the bye week, and looking up at everyone else.
Instead, they went home victorious, atop the division, and the third seed in the AFC. Here's how it happened offensively:
KP8-GP14 Early
The Steelers' offense was stuck in neutral for most of the game once again on Sunday, but when going through the film, Pickett made sure to target Pickens early and often especially on back-shoulder throws.
Regardless of the surrounding infrastructure, Pickens has proved to be nearly unguardable in true 1v1 scenarios, meaning Kenny should always give him a chance.
Canada's Jet Sweep…With A Twist
This play didn't have a huge impact on the game, but I included it to show that Pittsburgh OC Matt Canada isn't completely incompetent, adding a new wrinkle to a play man fans have grown tired of.
Read and React
Great rep from Kenny here, as he exposes the Ravens coverage and puts it on Pickens near the boundary.
This is one of the explosive throws that we like to see from guys like Herbert, Mahomes, and Allen, a class Pickett usually isn't mentioned in.
The Jaylen Warren Drive
Jayen Warren's tough running was a catalyst for what would be the game-winning drive, as he allocated yardage that simply wasn't there to be had.
His dynamic ability with the ball in his hands can't be understated, and should no longer be limited in snap counts.
Remember The Opening Drive?
Pickett went back to the well that started our breakdown, once again just getting the ball in the area code of Pickens.
He would win yet again, and set up for a fantastic finale:
Pickens Calls Game
If the Ravens end up missing the playoffs this season, this game, but particularly this play, will haunt them well into the offseason.
Being bold with the game on the line is one thing, but singling up Pickens with no safety help is borderline coaching malpractice.
Bet they won't do that again.
Steelers’ George Pickens was pleasantly ‘surprised’ on game-winning TD
Here is what the budding star had to say about the big play vs. Baltimore.
