Steelers Saw What a Pickens-Less Offense Looked Like (And Should Be Terrified)
When the Pittsburgh Steelers took the field without George Pickens, it was a stark reminder of just how important he is to their offensive scheme. Pickens, the second-year wide receiver, has quickly emerged as one of the most dynamic and physically imposing players on the roster. His ability to create explosive plays, stretch the field, and win contested catches has become essential to the Steelers’ offensive identity. But without him, the offense looked disjointed, predictable, and devoid of the big-play potential needed to keep defenses honest. The result was a performance that should leave the team, coaching staff, and fanbase deeply concerned about their offensive future if this trend continues.
The Absence of Explosive Plays
One of the most noticeable consequences of Pickens’ absence was the lack of explosive plays. In today’s NFL, having a player who can turn a short pass into a long gain, or simply stretch the defense with a deep threat, is critical. Pickens does exactly that for the Steelers. Whether it’s his remarkable ability to fight through tight coverage, his understanding of the game to track passes on deep routes, or his ability to leap above defenders to secure a high ball, Pickens is a game-changer. When he’s on the field, the defense must respect the deep passing game, which in turn opens up space for short to intermediate throws and even the running game.
However, without Pickens, the Steelers’ offense lacked any semblance of a vertical threat. The passing game became highly predictable, and opposing defenses could crowd the line of scrimmage without fear of being burned over the top. The result was a significantly slower-paced offense that struggled to gain any significant yardage on early downs, leaving the team in predictable passing situations on third down. Without that downfield element, the offense became far too easy for defenses to defend.
The absence of explosive plays is particularly damaging for a team that struggles with consistency on offense. In games where the offense is stagnant or unable to sustain long drives, one or two big plays can change the momentum. But without Pickens, the Steelers were left searching for that game-changing moment. The lack of deep balls turned what could have been a fast-paced, high-scoring offense into one that was bogged down by defensive schemes designed to stop short passes and shut down the run.
Limited Separation in the Passing Game
Another glaring issue without Pickens in the lineup was the inability of other receivers to generate separation. Deontay Johnson, while a talented route runner, does not possess the same physical attributes that make Pickens so difficult to defend. Johnson is known for his sharp route running and ability to get open, but he does not have the same rare combination of size, speed, and jump-ball ability that Pickens brings to the table. Without Pickens drawing attention from cornerbacks and safeties, Johnson faced much more concentrated coverage, which limited his opportunities for big plays.
The Steelers’ other receiving options, like Allen Robinson and Calvin Austin III, simply do not strike fear into opposing defenses in the same way. Robinson, a veteran, has proven to be a reliable possession receiver, but at this stage in his career, he is not the kind of player who can consistently stretch the field and create explosive plays. Austin, meanwhile, has the speed to threaten deep, but he has yet to prove himself as a consistent option in the Steelers’ offense. The absence of Pickens left a noticeable void that no one else could fill, leaving the passing attack lackluster and, at times, completely ineffective.
This lack of separation resulted in a significant challenge for the Steelers’ quarterbacks. Whether it was Kenny Pickett or Mitch Trubisky under center, the passing windows became much tighter without Pickens. Defenders were able to key in on the primary options in the passing game, knowing that there was no true downfield threat to keep them honest. Quarterbacks, forced to throw into tighter coverage, saw more deflections, incompletions, and hurried passes. The result was an offense that struggled to find any rhythm in the passing game and failed to sustain drives.
Pressure on the Running Game
Without a dynamic passing attack, the running game becomes a more difficult proposition. The Steelers have a solid running back duo in Najee Harris and Jalen Warren, but neither is explosive enough to overcome a stacked box or an overly aggressive defense. The threat of a deep passing game forces defenses to play back, opening up running lanes and forcing linebackers to respect the play-action pass. But without Pickens to stretch the field, opposing teams could commit more bodies to stopping the run.
Defenses could stack the line of scrimmage, blitz freely, and force the Steelers to try to move the ball on the ground without fear of a deep shot. Harris, a powerful back, was frequently met at or behind the line of scrimmage, while Warren’s speed was neutralized as defenses anticipated the run. This offensive predictability gave defensive coordinators a blueprint to slow down the Steelers’ attack, making it all the more difficult for the offense to get into a rhythm.
The lack of a viable passing threat has been a longstanding issue for the Steelers, and without Pickens, it was only exacerbated. When an offense cannot establish any threat beyond the line of scrimmage, running backs become easier to stop, and the whole offense sputters as a result. For the Steelers to have success on the ground, they must be able to balance the run with a credible passing game. Without Pickens, that balance was thrown off.
Kenny Pickett’s Development in Jeopardy
Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ second-year quarterback, has shown flashes of promise but has also had his fair share of growing pains. Developing a young quarterback is never easy, but it becomes even more challenging when he lacks reliable playmakers to throw to. Pickens has been one of the few players capable of bailing out Pickett in tight situations, using his physicality and playmaking ability to make tough catches on contested throws.
When Pickens is not on the field, Pickett faces a much more difficult challenge. He has fewer options to go to, and defenses can hone in on him more effectively. This lack of a true No. 1 receiver makes it harder for Pickett to develop as a quarterback. He has to rely more on precision and less on instinctive throws to playmakers who can make something happen after the catch. Without Pickens, Pickett’s growth as a quarterback is hindered, and his confidence may take a hit as he struggles to find success.
Moreover, when Pickens isn’t around, the pressure on Pickett to be perfect increases significantly. There’s less margin for error, and without a reliable deep threat, Pickett must focus on the short and intermediate routes—areas where he has shown inconsistency. With less help from his receivers, Pickett is forced to shoulder more of the blame when the offense falters.
Defensive Focus and Game Planning
Finally, without Pickens on the field, the Steelers’ offense becomes easier to defend. A team’s best offensive weapon forces defensive coordinators to adjust their schemes, whether by rolling coverage toward Pickens or ensuring extra help over the top. With no one else on the field to truly stretch the defense, teams can focus their attention on shutting down the run and limiting short-yardage passes. This allowed defenses to scheme around Pickett’s weaknesses and neutralize the Steelers’ offense.
In the NFL, offensive success often comes down to creating mismatches, and without Pickens, the Steelers lost that element. Defenses can afford to concentrate on stopping the running game or pressuring the quarterback without worrying about a deep shot that could turn a game around.
Conclusion: A Bleak Outlook Without Pickens
The absence of George Pickens from the Steelers’ offense should be a source of deep concern. His ability to create explosive plays, stretch the defense, and win contested catches is vital to the team’s offensive identity. Without him, the Steelers are left with an offense that lacks creativity, explosiveness, and balance. The passing game becomes more predictable, the running game becomes easier to stifle, and young quarterback Kenny Pickett faces greater challenges in his development.
If the Steelers are to have any chance at competing at a high level, they must find a way to ensure that Pickens stays healthy and remains a central figure in the offense. Without him, the offense will continue to flounder, and the team will struggle to keep up with the fast-paced, high-scoring offenses that dominate the NFL today. In short, the Steelers should be terrified of what their offense looks like without George Pickens—because it’s a team that’s nowhere near as dangerous or effective as it could be with him in the lineup.
