George Pickens Welcomes Challenge against All-Pro Broncos CB: ‘A Lot of This Stuff Isn’t New for Me’
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens will have a major test on Sunday when he goes up against Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II. Surtain is fresh off a four-year, $96 million extension (including $77.5 million guaranteed), making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.
Without a doubt, Surtain is one of the best corners in the league. Pickens considers himself an elite player, too, however.
“Just be myself, to be honest. I went up against Pat Surtain in college. So a lot of this stuff isn’t new for me,” Pickens said on Wednesday. “He’s just a good player, just like a lot of the other players in here. There’s good players. I’m a good player. There’s a lot of good players around the league.”
Pickens played at Georgia in college, while Surtain starred at Alabama. In their 2020 matchup, Surtain allowed two receptions for 21 yards on four targets and had a pass breakup, according to Pro Football Focus. Pickens ended the game with five receptions for 53 yards in a 41-24 loss to the Crimson Tide.
Surtain could shadow Pickens on Sunday. It makes no difference to the former Georgia Bulldog, though.
“Just hope they have their plan correct,” Pickens said. “I don’t really know or care what they’re gonna do.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin praised Surtain during his Tuesday press conference.
“He’s as good as there in the game. His pedigree is extremely high as are his fundamentals,” Tomlin said.
Pickens had an impressive performance in the Steelers’ season-opening win over the Atlanta Falcons, catching six passes for 85 yards (14.2). Quarterback Justin Fields completed two deep passes to Pickens for 33 and 40 yards, respectively. He also completed a 36-yard pass to Pickens but it was negated due to a questionable offensive pass interference penalty on Pickens.
Pickens looks forward to continuing to build his rapport with Fields in Week 2, who’s expected to start again with Russell Wilson nursing a right calf injury. Pickens has known Fields since high school, as they played on the same 7-on-7 team.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.
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