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Steelers WR George Pickens breaks free for incredible 86-yard TD on opening drive vs Bengals

20200517_134556by:Justin Rudolph•12/23/23
USATSI_22029237 (1)
© Charles LeClaire

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens came under fire last week for his blocking, or lack thereof, on a potential touchdown run by running back Jaylen Warren against the Indianapolis Colts. In this week’s game, the Steelers’ Week 16 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals Pickens is back in the spotlight, but for a totally different reason.

Pittsburgh did something they have not regularly done this season: starting the game with an opening drive touchdown. And that touchdown was courtesy of an 86-yard touchdown catch by none other than George Pickens. You can check out the second-year Steelers wide receiver breaking free for his incredible opening drive touchdown to give Pittsburgh the early lead over their bitter ACF North rivals.

Pickens big first half

It has been quite the half for Pickens and the Steelers. Pittsburgh has dominated Cincinnati in the first two quarters, leading 24-0 at the half. Pickens has been a nightmare for the Bengals secondary in this contest. Although he has just three catches in the half, those catches have gone for 129 yards and a touchdown, the 86-yard catch mentioned above. Defensively, Pittsburgh has allowed just 15 yards rushing and has given Cincinnati quarterback Jake Browning fits, as he has thrown two interceptions in the game.

A tip of the hat has to go to the man on the other end of Pickens’ big first half: Mason Rudolph. After starting a number of games for Pittsburgh the last few seasons, the former Oklahoma State quarterback started the year as Pittsburgh’s third-string quarterback. However, Tomlin gave him the starting nod against Pittsburgh, and Rudolph has been on fire in the first half. Rudolph has completed 12-19 passes for 193 yards with one passing touchdown through the first two quarters. And if he keeps this impressive play up, starting quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is nearing a return from ankle surgery, could find himself in a bit of a competition for the starting spot to close the season.