PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields and wide receiver George Pickens have connected on several big plays through two games this season. Fields threw a remarkable ball to Pickens for a 51-yard gain on Sunday against Denver, but it was negated due to a Broderick Jones’ holding penalty. Fields had a couple of passes that were absolute dimes. He also was impressive as a runner.
Pickens played on the same 7-on-7 team with Fields in high school, so his skill set is nothing new to him.
“Just getting out of the pocket was the biggest thing. Him throwing on the run was kind of his repertoire from Justin Fields for years,” Pickens said. “It’s not like anything that super wow me, but it was very special to see.”
Pickens had two receptions for 29 yards in Sunday’s win over the Broncos, but his stat line doesn’t tell the whole story. He should have had over 100 yards receiving and a touchdown if it wasn’t for penalties. That’s the main thing that’s holding the offense back right now.
“I feel like the dam is already kind of breaking. Penalties just can’t happen,” Pickens said. “We have to play a clean game, but then again, also let the guys play on the field.”
Pickens thinks the offense is on the right track, especially with the vertical passing game. Pickens had a 33-yard and 40-yard reception in the season opener against Atlanta. He also had a 36-yard reception called back because of a questionable offensive pass interference penalty called on him.
“Just the plays, you know, getting vertical, making plays, winning games. That’s pretty much it,” Pickens said on what the Steelers offense needs to improve on.”
“We’re doing pretty good right now by winning,” Pickens added when asked about the No. 2 wide receiver position.
Pickens ranks top-6 in average separations score in both Week 1 and Week 2, according to Scott Barrett of Fantasy Points. Pickens created separation against Broncos All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II throughout Sunday’s game. It’s only two games, but Pickens could take a massive leap this season. He’s looked like a true No. 1 wide receiver so far.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh.