After Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, it was obvious watching the Steelers management struggling to fill his shoes, but the receiver corps was still intact with new talents on the roster. However, offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s ignorance to utilize Rookie George Pickens left the fans wondering and it eventually could cost them the season.
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A few weeks ago, ahead of the season opener, the Georgia product expressed his disappointment and displeasure at not utilizing him. The second-round pick was never a frequent target for Mitchell Trubisky. He caught two balls for 26 yards being targeted only six times.
“I just say that because I’m a big guy that runs in the low 4.4s.” Pickens said in an interview. “I always have a step on somebody, and my step is naturally longer than the other person, and I’m actually fast. I’m open even though the ball gets there in the air and [the defender] gets time to catch back up… But I’m open as soon as I get off the line,” he added.
This statement didn’t take much time to spread like a wildfire and soon fans started questioning Canada’s intentions moving ahead. However, the coach did a better job of subtly dodging the question saying that the Rookie was a talented prospect.
“I’d love to get George more involved,” Matt Canada told the reporters. “Those who have been at practice and at camp know how talented he is,” he added. Well, the table turned this time after Kenny Pickett took charge as the starter.
Pickens connected for his first career touchdown with a phenomenal catch in Week 7 against the Dolphins. By the end of the first quarter, he cut short the opposition’s lead to three points by running away from the tight coverage of Dolphins cornerback Noah Igbinoghene. The eye-popping touchdown led the fans to resurface Canada’s past comments.
NFL world reacts to George Pickens connecting for a fabulous touchdown
Even though Trubisky failed to execute, Pickett made sure that he utilizes all his weapons. Meanwhile, fans didn’t go light over Matt Canada taking a dig at his ‘being cute’ attitude.
I will NEVER understand having success like the Steelers were offensively and then saying “yup, reverse time.” Canada trying to be far too cute.
— Josh Carney (@ByJoshCarney) October 24, 2022
For someone trying to be too cute, his play calling sure is ugly
— Kareen McDowell (@mcdowell_kareen) October 24, 2022
Fire Matt Canada
— kenny pickett freaking sucks (@steelersfan9018) October 24, 2022
Meanwhile, fans were in awe watching the splendid gameplay.
He needs 15 targets a game minimum
— FIRE MATT CANADA (2-15) (@davidrosswelsh) October 24, 2022
BEAUTIFUL
— Ryan D メ𝟶 🏴☠️ (@Wunderxotwod) October 24, 2022
Pickens magic 🔥
— PickensBurgh 🫡 (7-0) (@PickensBurgh) October 24, 2022
However, few of them praised the Kenny-Goerge combination.
I LOVE YOU GEORGE AND KENNY
— Jared Beamer (@Pickettfor6) October 24, 2022
BEST DUO
— ❀ bela’s team is going 2-15 ❀ (@belaxcl0uds) October 24, 2022
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Pickett to Pickens is gonna be gorgeous for years to come 😩
— Matt Speck (@the_mattspeck24) October 24, 2022
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Well, the Steelers are now 2-5 after losing 16-10 against the Miami Dolphins in Week 7. To keep their playoff aspirations alive, wins are essential in the upcoming games.
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