Steelers WR George Pickens predicts more downfield shots this season

When you think of explosive offenses around the NFL, the Pittsburgh Steelers don’t exactly come to mind. Second-year wideout George Pickens is looking to change that, however.

Speaking with the media after Friday’s practice, Pickens said he expects the Steelers to be more of a vertical offense in 2023.

“That’s more of an explosive hint,” Pickens said, via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. “Like, we’re gonna probably take more shots this year. Try to mix it up a little bit.”

With rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett under center in 2022 (12 starts), the Steelers ranked 32nd in the NFL in passing yards per attempt. Additionally, Pickett sat 32nd in the league in passer rating and dead last in touchdown-to-interception ratio (among 33 qualified quarterbacks), per NFL.com.

A big play threat during his time at Georgia, Pickens certainly could help the stagnant Steelers’ offense become more explosive. In 17 games during his rookie campaign, Pickens hauled in 52 receptions for 801 yards — an average of 15.4 yards per reception to lead all Steelers pass-catchers.

“The same plays are the same plays,” Pickens said, per The Athletic. “As far as where we’re going with the ball, huge change.”

Kenny Pickett believes George Pickens can be one of the NFL’s top receivers

The Steelers’ promising young offensive core is highlighted by three players — Pickett, Pickens and running back Najee Harris. Pickett and Pickens, however, have the potential to become one of the league’s next top duos in the coming seasons if they stay together.

“George could be a top guys in the league, no doubt,” Pickett recently said on the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast. “There are probably three catches in practice that stick out to me that were better than ones everyone saw during the season. His natural ability — his floor is so high based on his natural ability.

“Now, we’ve put together a nice route package for him. He continues to work on his game and we work on our continuity together. I’m really excited to play with him again heading into year two.”