What Has Happened to George Pickens’ Production?

Following the Steelers win over the Titans on Thursday Night Football, second-year receiver George Pickens made headlines with some cryptic social media posts. The 22-year-old was essentially non-existent, hauling in two catches for negative yards on just five targets. From weeks 2-7, Pickens notched three 100-yard games but since then, there’s been a sharp decline in his numbers. The Titans game makes back-to-back quiet weeks totaling a measly 21 yards receiving for a player that previously appeared to be in the midst of a breakout sophomore campaign. What factors are leading to the reduced production of such a talented player?

The Star Treatment

The Steelers aren’t the only team that knows that George Pickens is a gifted player and opposing defenses have smartly begun to prioritize taking him away from the game plan.