The Pittsburgh Steelers have two talented receivers, in second-year man George Pickens, who has racked up 27 receptions for 500 yards through six games this season, and WR Diontae Johnson, who returned from a hamstring injury in Week Seven. On NFL Live Wednesday, former NFL quarterback and analyst Dan Orlovsky broke down how Pittsburgh’s offense is dependent on back-shoulder throws and fades to Pickens, and former NFL wide receiver-turned-analyst Andrew Hawkins talked about the importance of having Johnson for second-year QB Kenny Pickett.
“Two things I can guarantee you. Number one, they are going to throw go routes, or fades, potential back shoulders to George Pickens. I would too,” Orlovsky said. “I’m probably going to throw it on a back shoulder because his ability to judge it is perfect. That is going to happen four or five times a game. The reality is, they hit two or three, they’ll play okay. If they don’t, they’re gonna play poorly.”
With the return of Johnson, those throws to Pickens can now come more frequently as the defense can’t focus as much attention on to him. With Johnson out, Pickens was one of Pittsburgh’s only consistent threats in the passing game, and so he got more attention from opposing defenses. He still played well, with three games over 75 yards, but the return of Johnson is huge, allowing Pickens more freedom and more opportunities to make plays downfield.
Orlovsky is also right that if the Steelers have success on at least two of those throws deep to Pickens, the offense is going to have a respectable day. It may not be good, or even above average, but it’s usually enough to get the win with Pittsburgh’s defense. It can give Pickett a spark and give him some confidence, and it’s also some major chunk yardage for an offense that needs as much help as they can get.
As far as Johnson, who had five receptions for 79 yards against the Rams, Andrew Hawkins said on NFL Live that Johnson’s return is vital for Pickett’s development.
“He’s a separation guy, he’s a route guy, he gives him less contested catches and more clear throws,” Hawkins said.
While Pickens has been getting open more often, Johnson was the most open receiver in the league last year, per ESPN analytics. With Johnson on the field, there aren’t as many tight-window throws and he can create separation all over the field. Not only that, but he has the talent of a No. 1 receiver, so he gives Pickett another incredibly talented wideout, which is going to help make him more comfortable and develop.
The Steelers offense has its flaws, but the fourth quarter of the 24-17 win over the Rams showed what this group can be. The goal now is going to be to put it together over four quarters and solidify Pittsburgh as contenders.
