After three seasons the place he confirmed numerous promise, George Pickens is now not a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. They traded him to the Dallas Cowboys, leaving them with a gap at vast receiver once more. It’s in all probability going to be troublesome to switch Pickens, too. For all of his faults, he’s an especially gifted participant. It’s unlucky that he couldn’t work out with the Steelers. Mike Florio thinks Pittsburgh is responsible for that, although.
“At his greatest final yr, it was Russell Wilson uncorking the deep ball with out regard as to if or not George Pickens was coated,” Florio stated Friday on Professional Soccer Speak. “And George Pickens goes to get it. It’s good to have that religion in him, and you have to present the dedication to his expertise.
“I feel that was one of many issues in Pittsburgh. He’s extremely gifted, however I by no means felt just like the Steelers absolutely embraced and cultivated the skills that he had.”
It’s debatable whether or not or not the Steelers ever absolutely embraced Pickens. With all of the help that his teammates usually confirmed him, it looks like they did. Regardless of his feelings typically getting the higher of him, the Steelers continued to help Pickens.
Now, did the Steelers put Pickens in the very best spot to succeed? Most likely not. Throughout his three years there, the Steelers’ offense was a catastrophe. There was subsequent to no consistency at quarterback, with Pittsburgh struggling to search out high quality at that place. Additionally they made different errors, like hanging onto Matt Canada for too lengthy.
The Steelers did attempt to get Pickens the ball early and infrequently. They knew what that they had in him, and typically, their passing offense was at its greatest once they have been simply throwing it to Pickens, whether or not he was coated or not.
Nevertheless, that relationship was additionally a two-way road. Pickens shares among the blame for not being as profitable as he may very well be in Pittsburgh. His outbursts on the sphere usually harm the Steelers. There have been additionally a number of moments the place his effort appeared to be in query. Experiences additionally point out that Pickens was late to reach to at the very least one sport final yr.
These actions doubtless price him some belief with the staff. How may they rely on somebody like that long-term? The reality is extra doubtless that the Steelers and Pickens deserve blame for his or her relationship ending. Either side may’ve performed issues higher. The Steelers may’ve higher supported Pickens, and Pickens may’ve proven extra maturity. Now, Pickens has a possibility change the narrative about him.
