George Pickens Says Jaguars Have a ‘Hope Defense’

PITTSBURGH — Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has always played with an edge. That won’t change, even with the taunting fouls levied against him against the Rams. But more than that, Pickens knows that defensive backs will get in his face and talk some trash, but he bites back. Earlier this week, Jaguars strong safety Rayshawn Jenkins gave Pickens some bulletin board material.

“I think our cornerbacks do a great job with any matchup,” Jenkins said to 1010XL. “I know the receiver we have coming up, No. 14, has a high yards per catch. But, respectfully. he hasn’t played our corners yet. That’s what I’ll say on that.”

George Pickens already has 500 yards receiving, putting him on a blistering pace toward 1400 receiving yards. But he may have given the defensive backs some of their material on Thursday. When talking about the Jaguars defense, Pickens noted that the Jaguars have what he describes as a ‘hope’ defense.

“I think their D-Line they depend on their D-Line a lot,” Pickens said. “With their team having a lot of first-round picks on that D-Line, that’s what they depend on a lot. They kinda hope, hope that the guys hold up long enough, it’s kinda a hope defense.”

With Johnson there, too, the Steelers have a talented tandem of wide receivers to bank on. Despite the frustrating penalties at times that Pickens can get called for, his talent on the field continues to showcase itself. Now, it’s not just the jump balls; his route running is starting to become a strength. It’s not elite, but he can separate and run an entire route tree. He has also turned himself into a dangerous receiver after the catch.

The Jaguars cornerbacks fall into the category of guys who might not be marquee names but are playing solid football. Tyson Campbell, Tre Herndon, and Darious Williams have played at a stable level. Pittsburgh will have their hands full, and Campbell has the unique experience of facing Pickens while at Georgia. So, both of these players are familiar with one another. However, Pickens is a player who believes in himself at all costs and will try to make an example out of the Jaguars cornerbacks.

Campbell is dealing with a hamstring injury that could be questionable for the game, significantly impacting these matchups. If he can not go, Montaric Brown should see those looks. Campbell did not play against the Saints. Pickens’ comments can give those guys some more fire to match his energy, however.