Controversial offensive Steelers player the key to a win vs. Raiders

The Steelers are on a two-game skid right now, and this entire week has been filled with a lot of fluff. Players are quickly being called out while fans are clamoring for a quarterback change. Pittsburgh heads west to play the Raiders, and this should be a winnable game. That said, the team has notoriously struggled against the Raiders, especially when on the road.

A loss this week will likely send the fanbase into a complete meltdown. Las Vegas are turning to a new quarterback this week and their biggest playmaker on offense is on the bench seemingly waiting to get traded. Pittsburgh should be able to win this game with relative ease.

While getting the run game going will be key as will replacing the edge talent that is injured, my player of the game is here for a variety of other reasons. He hasn’t had the start to the season that many hoped, and his antics last week have called many fans to turn against him. On top of this, he has a great matchup this week against a mediocre Raiders secondary.

The Steelers need this star to shine

If you didn’t guess it, George Pickens is the player to watch this week. It had been a quiet season all around before the Cowboys game. He had the occasional big play (and quite a few taken away by penalty) and he dominated the Colts. Unfortunately, the Cowboys game was quiet statistically and a mess from a public relations standpoint.

His eyepaint was unwarranted and the lack of snaps was concerning. The team has tried its best to explain why he was put on a snap count, but part of it has to be his attitude. It is another bad look for both the team and player, but this game against the Raiders could be a chance to redeem himself.

Las Vegas doesn’t boast a strong cornerback room. While they have some talent at safety, neither of their outside cornerbacks are notable. While he will need a quarterback to get him the ball, Pickens could go off this week. It would be a great chance to at least right the ship this week.

While a monster game likely isn’t needed, Pickens and the Steelers need a good game for different reasons. Another week of outbursts or bad play will only continue to further the negative narrative going on. The opportunity is there and Pickens has the talent, so this week is crucial for him and the team.