Don’t Count Out Pittsburgh’s Offensive Evolution Just Yet
Photo Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
It took them a while, but eventually the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense showed some signs of life last Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens in front of their home crowd at Acrisure Stadium.
With 1:17 left on the clock, on second-and-nine at the Ravens’ 41 yard line, Kenny Pickett and George Pickens showed the home-run-ability that they possess as a potentially dangerous QB-WR duo. A beautiful deep ball from Pick to Pick would give Pittsburgh the lead, with the game then being iced by T.J. Watt and the defense.
Other than Matt Canada’s complete lack of a reaction in the box until someone tapped his shoulder, the play was an absolute drink of ice water in a desert during a heat wave. It’s not the first time they’ve connected on a deep shot this season, but it’s exactly what fans in the Steel City needed to see. Confidence may still not be high —or even moderate — in the Steelers offense, but there is reason to be holding out hope.
In the absence of Diontae Johnson and Pat Freiermuth, George Pickens stepped up in a big way. He was targeted by Kenny Pickett 10 times, catching six passes for 130 yards and the aforementioned touchdown. Pickens is a bonafide superstar, making the offense’s lackluster start to the season that much more frustrating. There is a legitimate argument to be made he could be putting up big-time numbers more consistently in an offense that was a bit more efficiently run, but nonetheless the Steelers have something special in him.
In games that Pickens has at least 75 yards receiving the Steelers are 3-0. In games he doesn’t, they’re 0-2, and not by close margins either. In their Week 1 loss against the San Francisco 49ers, he was held to just 36 yards. In their Week 4 loss in Houston, he was held to 25. With much of his production coming after the catch, Pickens represents a touchdown threat nearly every time he touches the ball. If Pittsburgh can just find a way to start getting him the ball in more mid-level and deep situations as opposed to relying so heavily on his run-after-catch ability, it could be the launching point of the next evolution of the Steelers offense.
Designing the offense more around George Pickens’ abilities as an all-around absolute could elevate everyone else off of the struggle pile. When Diontae Johnson returns, his production could see an increase due to more defensive attention on Pickens. Having Pickens attack the middle of the field to draw zones away from right in front of the line could lead to endless checkdown and yard-after-catch opportunities for the likes of Freiermuth, Harris, Warren, and Washington. These are the easy throws that a struggling young quarterback and offense need, and ultimately Pickens can unlock them.
As an example, the Vikings have designed their offense to get Justin Jefferson the ball on every spot on the field. That threat allows guys like K.J. Osborn, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson some production, ultimately opening up their run game. Pittsburgh could develop a similar focus for Pickens and the gang. Of course, it goes without saying that Pickens is not Jefferson and Pickett isn’t even Kirk Cousins, but the point remains. You have to start thinking in line with what modern offensive innovators around the NFL are doing. Repeatedly running Najee Harris up the middle for two or three yards isn’t gonna get you far, and it only puts a bigger burden on your sophomore QB that you’re trying to mold into the future of your franchise.
Believe it or not, as hard as the offense is to watch at times, there is still reason to think they could begin to put it together, especially when supported by such a quality defensive front on the other side of the ball. The Steelers are still 3-2, and have a clear path to January football. The saying that “defense wins championships” doesn’t apply as much as it used to, but Pittsburgh’s sure as hell could have something to say about that. It’s up to the offense to evolve and give them the opportunity.
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