Someone needs to get George Pickens the ball.
The Steelers rookie wide receiver voiced his frustration about the lack of targets coming his way during his first NFL season. During Pittsburgh’s 19-16 win over the Falcons, Pickens caught just one reception for a 2-yard gain – even if he led his team going into this week with 17 catches for 20 yards or more, according to Pro Football Focus.
While walking off the field during the fourth quarter after a Diontae Johnson drop, Pickens lost it. “Come on, man. Throw me the f–king ball,” he could be seen yelling at the sideline. After the game, he declined to be interviewed by the media.
Video showed Steelers veteran Cameron Heyward go over to the 21-year-old Pickens on the bench in an attempt to calm him down.
Pickens, a second-round selection by the Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft, has the evidence to back up he needs more targets. The former George Bulldogs star hasn’t caught more than six passes a game this season, but the rookie is averaging 13.8 yards per reception so far.
He had three catches on six targets for 57 yards last Monday against the Colts, which came after he caught four of six targets for 83 yards and a touchdown the week prior against the Bengals.
The Steelers trading Chase Claypool at the deadline seemingly paved the way for a bigger role in the offense for Pickens, but perhaps he and rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett have yet to develop enough chemistry just yet.
