Reporter states that the rest of the NFL doesn’t view George Pickens the way the Steelers do
George Pickens continues to be one of the more polarizing players in the National Football League. Clearly the number one option on the Pittsburgh Steelers' perimeter, some in the media and around the league have questioned his ability to be a WR #1 on other teams. Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette added to […]
George Pickens continues to be one of the more polarizing players in the National Football League.
Clearly the number one option on the Pittsburgh Steelers' perimeter, some in the media and around the league have questioned his ability to be a WR #1 on other teams.
Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette added to that sentiment recently, stating that teams around the league aren't as high on Pickens as Pittsburgh is.
Pickens not a WR #1?
"He's the Steelers' No. 1 receiver, but I'm not convinced that he's viewed around the league as a No. 1 receiver", Fittipaldo said of Pickens during a recent radio hit on 93.7 The Fan. "He had over 1,100 yards last year-it was a good season. But a lot of that came with big plays late in the season. I just think people on the national level want to see more consistency"…
"…Can you be a guy who goes out there every single week and gets five, six, seven catches, between 80-120 [yards] every single week? That consistency is probably the thing that's holding him back. I think he's a guy who is still developing. And honestly, leadership, maturity, all of those things play into your image around the league. And I think that's probably an issue with some people out there, as well."
Ok look, if you want to say that George Pickens isn't a true WR #1 yet because of his maturity, that's rich, but at least I can understand that. Pickens has had his fair share of issues dating back to college, and surely last season, testing the patience of the Steelers organization.
But consistency? It's hard to be consistent in the NFL when you have an excellent play caller and a good QB and are the team's best option. Defensive coordinators are always game planning to stop you first.
And for Pickens, not only did he receive that treatment, he did so with three different QBs, all of whom are now in backup roles on other teams, an offensive coordinator who led one of the worst statistical offenses of all time during his tenure, and then two co-coordinators who had never designed a scheme or called plays before.
And he still went for over 1100 yards and led the league in yards per catch at the ripe old age of 2022.
So sure, if you want to say he's not a WR #1 yet, then be my guest. But understand, come contract time, he will garner WR #1 money not only from Pittsburgh but from any WR-needy team should he hit free agency.
ESPN pundit believes the Steelers will make the playoffs in spite of Russell Wilson
They may have their hands full.
