The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense ranked among the worst in the league during the 2023 season. They struggled under Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, leading to his historic midseason firing. Despite poor play-calling and a flawed offensive system, wide receiver George Pickens still managed to amass 63 catches for 1,140 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
Pickens achieved these impressive numbers with a rotation of quarterbacks including Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky, and Mason Rudolph. His performance notably improved towards the end of the year when Rudolph took over as quarterback. Throughout the season, Pickens was visibly frustrated at times, leading to speculation that he was unhappy with Pickett's quarterback play, though this was never publicly confirmed.
Regardless, it was clear that quarterback play during the 2023 season was subpar and significantly limited the offense. Fans and analysts debated whether the blame lay more with the poor system or the quarterbacks' struggles. Most agreed that it was a combination of both, with the flawed system being the bigger culprit.
As OTAs got underway, Pickens spoke to the media, revealing that Steeler Nation has yet to see his full potential. With Russell Wilson now at quarterback and Pickens stepping into the role of star wide receiver, there is a lot of excitement for what he can achieve in the 2024 season. His exceptional skills, coupled with a better offensive situation, position him for a standout year. Steelers fans are eager to see Pickens flourish and help lead the team to success.
"I'd probably say 80%," Pickens said. "I can only go off of how the quarterback plays. I can thrive more. … The yardage showed it. I should have made the Pro Bowl."
Pickens was disappointed not to make the 2023 Pro Bowl, but the competition in the AFC is fierce, with many talented wide receivers vying for spots. Despite this, his 18.1 yards per catch average was among the league's best, showcasing his exceptional performance even within a struggling offensive system.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Steelers will introduce a new offensive system under the guidance of their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. Additionally, the team is set to benefit from improved quarterback play with the addition of Wilson. Pickens is optimistic that these changes will allow him to thrive even further, capitalizing on his remarkable skills and potential. With the new system and a seasoned quarterback, Steelers fans have much to look forward to in the upcoming season.
"I feel like it can benefit a lot. With this type of mindset or scheme, my job is to just get open."
As it stands today, Wilson is set to be the starting quarterback for the Steelers. Pickens will have the opportunity to catch passes from a nine-time Pro Bowler and former Super Bowl champion quarterback.
This prospect has excited both Pickens and Steelers fans. Despite making significant strides since entering the league, Pickens has yet to make a Pro Bowl. However, 2024 appears to be his best chance yet for a breakout season that could earn him his first Pro Bowl selection.
Steelers' George Pickens Should Max Out In 2024
The Steelers' quarterback situation was far from ideal during the 2023 season. Pickett struggled, throwing just six touchdowns and four interceptions, and his injuries disrupted the offense's cohesiveness. Trubisky also underperformed. When Rudolph took over, Pickens had the best game of his career and followed it up with another strong performance. Even in the Week 18 regular season finale, when Pickens was targeted zero times, he maintained a positive attitude.
With Wilson at the helm and a new offensive system under Smith, Pickens' on-field performance is expected to improve significantly in 2024. Additionally, being in a system with real potential should help Pickens stay focused and maintain a positive presence in the locker room. The combination of his talent, a seasoned quarterback, and an improved offensive scheme has set the stage for what could be a standout year for Pickens and the Steelers.
