Russell Wilson must snap despicable streak without George Pickens

If you take away any quarterback's top receiver, it will have cataclysmic effects on the QB and the offense. This is no different when it comes to Russell Wilson. Just before the Steelers' Week 14 game against the Cleveland Browns, George Pickens suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain and wasn't able to play in Pittsburgh's last two games.

The absence of Pickens has had a noticeable impact on the offense, and Wilson hasn't been able to find a way to overcome the loss of his top weapon. Though it's a small sample size, Wilson is averaging just 14.5 completions per game and 143 passing yards per game without Pickens while throwing for a dismal 5.9 yards per attempt.

This followed with a 1-1 record. Pittsburgh's most recent loss was a despicable showing on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles — a game in which Wilson managed to pass for just 128 yards while the offense was nearly doubled in time of possession.

Now Pickens is set to miss the Steelers' game against the Baltimore Ravens this week, and Wilson can't afford another dud performance.

Steelers must utilize dynamic skill players vs. Ravens

I'm not one to constantly gripe about the play-calling, but I don't believe Arthur Smith called a good game against the Eagles in Week 15. The game plan was too vanilla and Smith's eagerness to run the toss sweep is dumbfounding.

But perhaps the biggest issue was not trying to get the ball in the hands of the most dynamic playmakers on the team.

Without Pickens, there's no question the wide receiver talent falls off a cliff. However, one receiver was extremely efficient with his opportunities in Week 15. Calvin Austin III caught all five targets for 65 yards (13.0 yards per target). It was baffling that he didn't receive more opportunities.

Outside of the wide receivers, the Steelers have a 6'7'' tight end in Darnell Washington who can stretch the seam and create yards after the catch. Washington has not been used frequently in the passing game, but the big tight end has caught 18 of 24 passes for 192 yards and a touchdown this season. It's time to get him more involved.

The Steelers also have a receiving threat from the backfield with Jaylen Warren. The explosive running back can take a simple swing pass and turn it into a big gain. Surprisingly, these three players combined for just seven targets against the Eagles in the loss.

Pittsburgh's offense won't be the same until George Pickens returns, but Russell Wilson and the Steelers must find a way to overcome their deficiencies. Perhaps getting the right players involved against the Ravens on Saturday would help.