The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has finally picked up the pace in recent weeks. A grueling ground attack mixed with an inefficient, albeit average, passing attack has allowed Pittsburgh to stick around in games and allow their defense to stop opposing teams.
Unfortunately, the Steelers have also benefited from a relatively easy stretch of games. As things tighten up for the remainder of the season, this team will need to play better.
In particular, the passing game has to get more efficient and consistent if this offense wants a chance at beating better teams.
The main player to circle here is DK Metcalf. Brought in to be the top dog in this room, the results have been mixed so far. While he is playing better recently, he has had stretches both this season and last season where he was more of a liability for this team.
While the Cowboys have their own struggles, George Pickens isn’t one of them. Given how the Steelers are trying to use Metcalf, it feels like a blow that they couldn’t have made things work with the current Cowboys receiver while he was here.
George Pickens would fit well with what the Pittsburgh Steelers need right now
While Metcalf and Pickens are both bigger receiver, the way that they win is entirely different.
Metcalf’s best trait is his straight-line speed. Give him an open lane and he can run like a gazelle. His next best trait is his ability to win after the catch, using his bulk and athleticism to gain additional yards.
Pickens can also be a vertical deep threat. However, his best trait is his rare body control and ability to make contested catches. You see that constantly on display in his highlight reel. One style isn’t superior to the other, and the better player likely hinges on the scheme that you are running.
Last year, with Arthur Smith at the helm, having a player who can win after the catch was needed. The offense was schemed up to create open space underneath so receivers could do damage after the catch. Thus, Metcalf was a great fit.
Mike McCarthy’s offense is a different story. While the receivers have been dependent on yards after the catch, that is more due to Aaron Rodgers' struggles at quarterback.
The offense has taken a lot of one-on-one shots with Metcalf in contested situations. It hasn’t worked very well.
It feels like we see a redzone fade nearly every week that Metcalf doesn’t come down with. There have been numerous shots down the field where he can’t out-play his cornerback and come down with the catch. This is an area that Pickens thrives in.
Both receivers are good (although I would argue that Pickens is the more complete receiver with the higher ceiling); however, a player like Pickens would be thriving on this team right now.
While his quarterback would be worse, he would also be commanding a huge share of the targets in the passing game. Assuming he was given every shot that Metcalf has had, it feels like the former Bulldog would have four to five scores already.
The Steelers were widely panned for trading Pickens. There were certainly other factors at play that forced Pittsburgh's hand, but acquiring Metcalf and his being a better system fit at the time were the final nail in the coffin.
Looking at how the offense is structured now, it feels like an even bigger mistake to have let Pickens go. Metcalf is still a good receiver with a prominent role, but it feels like Pickens would be an even better fit to help this offense long-term.
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