The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duo in the NFL. Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown brought many great memories to Steeler Nation. Fans have been hoping to see that type of connection again in Pittsburgh, but in the last few years, it seemed to be more of a dream than actually coming to reality. Now with a new face behind center and their former second round pick entering his third season, there could be a new duo ready to take over the AFC North.
While speaking with Chris Adamski of Trib LIVE, George Pickens was asked if he believes that Justin Fields and himself have developed a rapport similar to what Roethlisberger and Brown had. While Pickens has been Fields' top target through the first three weeks, he was quick to say that they are working on getting their relationship to that level, but it will take time.
"They were here together for a long time. I would probably say that Justin just got here, I've been here three years, I think it's a work in progress," said Pickens.
That connection and relationship will continue to develop, as it did for Brown and Roethlisberger. The dynamic duo didn't really take center stage until Brown's fourth year in the 2013 season, where he went for 1,499 yards receiving with 110 catches and eight touchdowns. From 2013 to 2018, Brown did not finish a season under 1,250 yards and only had two seasons under 10 touchdowns.
Brown and Roethlisberger are known to be one of the best duos in NFL History. They connected 804 times for a total of 10,764 yards and 74 touchdowns in their time together in Pittsburgh. They played in two AFC Championship games together, winning one, but never got to hold the Lombardi Trophy as teammates. Both players finished with Hall of Fame type careers and are forever etched in the history of Steelers football.
The Steelers' coaching staff is hoping history repeats itself with Fields and Pickens. Pickens' explosiveness and unreal catching ability has him primed to become a star in the NFL. Brown even believes that he is on that path to greatness. Not only is Brown in Pickens' corner, Roethlisberger believes that the Steelers have found his successor in Fields. He was impressed with the growth of the Steelers' new quarterback and even said that he would continue to start Fields over Russell Wilson after their Week 2 win in Denver. Two strong endorsements from Steelers greats for the guys looking to replicate their success in black and gold.
As the offense continues to improve week to week, the numbers will show the growth of the two's relationship. Pickens is already the number one receiver in terms of targets (18), receptions (13), and yards (171) this season. Fields found the end zone twice in their Week 3 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers, once through the air and once with his legs. Fields wants to continue to improve the offense's efficiency when it comes to finishing drives with six and that means getting Pickens more involved.
Steelers' New Dynamic Duo Is Ready To Explode This Season
The Steelers believe they found their newest versions of Brown and Roethlisberger. Pickens is ready to be known as one of the best wide receivers in the league, just as Brown arguably was from 2013-18. Fields has been making positive steps forward each week, playing his best game in the Steelers' home opener against the Chargers. It is still early in the relationship between the two to start the comparisons, but the talent is there. With both of the Steelers' legends giving their stamps of approval to their successors, it should have fans excited for the future of the organization.
