The Pittsburgh Steelers have one game left in the 2024 regular season with a few different scenarios that could play out when it comes to their playoff seeding. Obviously, they would love to get the third seed, but that would take them handling business against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens losing to a defeated Cleveland Browns squad. With the more likely scenarios being traveling to the Houston Texans or Baltimore, the question is how will the Steelers finally win a playoff game for the first time since the 2016 season? According to ESPN's NFL analyst Ben Solak, Pittsburgh's key to success is George Pickens.
Solak pointing to Pickens as the Steelers' key to success is based on the cornerbacks that he will patiently face in the playoffs. Outside of Kansas City Chiefs' Trent McDuffie, Pickens should be able to pick apart any corner matched up against him. If Russell Wilson is able to connect on a few of his famous moon balls, the Steelers could make some noise this postseason.
"The outside cornerbacks of the AFC playoff picture are eminently gettable: Chiefs CBs besides Trent McDuffie have struggled all season, and Pickens already put McDuffie on a poster last week," said Solak. "Buffalo's Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford are good zone players, but neither is great at locking down a man for four quarters. Nate Wiggins and Brandon Stephens are where you want to attack the Ravens. So, Pickens has the chance to dominate each and every postseason game the Steelers play."
Pickens has already shown how important of a piece he is to the Steelers, especially in his absence. When Pickens is on the field and targeted, the numbers do not lie. Pickens has caught nine of 17 downfield targets of 20 plus air yards and leads the league in receptions over expectations (5.8) and receiving yards over expectations (199) per New Gen Stats. It was evident when Pickens was out that the passing game was not producing. Wilson averaged just 167.67 yards in the three games that Pickens missed.
Many fans have become sick and tired of the negative aspects that Pickens brings. With showing his frustrations after the Chiefs loss and the scuffle in Cleveland, it's been tiresome for fans to keep seeing week to week. Fans can also agree that his talent and potential is off the charts. The true explosive weapon that the Steelers had hoped that Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster would have been.
Pittsburgh is trying to turn around their playoff woes, which led to a complete overhaul to the quarterback room bringing in Wilson and Justin Fields to throw to Pickens and company. While the offense has shown flashes of putting up big points and yardage throughout the season, they have stalled out since their Week 13 win against the Bengals. The offense has to show that they can still perform at that high level that was seen earlier this season and it starts with Wilson connecting with Pickens on a few moon balls in Week 18.
Steelers Will Rely On Their Deep Threat To Turn The Tide In The Playoffs
The Steelers will need Pickens at the top of his game when the playoffs start. Not only is this his time to shine and prove to the league that he is truly one of the elite wide receivers in the NFL, but prove to the organization that they need him long-term. With a dominating showing in the playoffs and a deep push, the Steelers could sign him to his extension in the 2025 offseason. While that is further down the road, the big question is can Pickens make the big plays to help Pittsburgh get past the Wild Card Round and he will want to give a definite yes to the coaching staff.
