George Pickens Looks Like Steelers Next Great Receiver

The Pittsburgh Steelers pulled off an improbable victory against their division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, on Sunday. In true Steelers fashion, it was one of those games where it’s difficult to even comprehend how they were able to put themselves into position to win when the clock struck zero, but it was impressive nonetheless. After all, they all count the same in the standings. One of the key reasons that Pittsburgh is currently sitting unchallenged atop the AFC North standings is the play of second year wide receiver George Pickens, who capped off a 146-yard day with an electric touchdown grab late in the fourth quarter.

As good as he was on Sunday, and he was indeed fantastic, Pickens has largely been trending this way over the course of the entire 2023 season. Coming into this matchup, he ranked 21^st at his position with 263 receiving yards, averaging a healthy 16.4 yards per catch. The Steelers offense has become somewhat of a laughing stock on social media, but he’s produced when called upon. Perhaps most encouraging is the steps that he’s taken this season to become a more well-rounded player who impacts the game in different ways instead of just being the human-highlight reel in jump ball situations. Through five games, Pickens already has more yards after the catch than he did all of last season, which was a focal point for him during the offseason.

Pickens had 110 yards after catch all last season.

55 just on one play alone tonight. pic.twitter.com/2jhH2bh8FJ

— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) September 19, 2023