George Pickens called the Jaguars a “hope defense” before the Steelers faced them on October 29. After Jacksonville’s 20-10 win, Rayshawn Jenkins and Andrew Wingard reminded him not to poke the bear. Pickens may have had Pittsburgh’s only touchdown, but it was also his only catch of the game. George Pickens finished with a season-low in receptions and yards.
While speaking with Dewey, I couldn’t help but hear Rayshawn Jenkins discuss George Pickens’ “Hope Defense” comments with another reporter.
So, I had him & Dewey react to it together.
🍿 🍿 #Jaguars | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/ObzYdXHAX8
— Mia O'Brien (@MiaOBrienTV) October 29, 2023
Sure, Jacksonville may have the second-most passing yards allowed this season, but they’ve also faced the most attempts. Opponents are completing 62.9% of passes against them (12th), picking up only 6.6 yards per attempt (8th), and the Jags have caught 11 interceptions (tied for 1st in the NFL). Giving that group a reason to get fired up wasn’t wise, something that the Steelers learned the hard way on Sunday. NFL defenses are already known to need little fuel for motivation.
George Pickens Should Learn to Read the Room
There’s nothing wrong with being confident, but nobody on the 2023 Steelers offense should be giving opponents more motivation. Pittsburgh is struggling enough, ranking 29th league-wide with 16.1 points per game. The team’s offensive coordinator, Matt Canada, has been getting calls for his firing from crowds nationwide.
After Sunday’s game, the Steelers are 29th in rushing yards and 28th in passing yards. Pickens is leading the team in scrimmage yards (538) and non-passing touchdowns (3), so he’s been a major factor in the team’s success. Still, that success is very limited.
So, Rayshawn Jenkins may have subtly started all of this, but George Pickens can’t afford to put a target on this offense’s back. Escalating was the wrong way for Pickens to handle this. For as talented as he is Pickens is still young and learning how to navigate the NFL every week.
What’s Next for the Steelers
Pittsburgh has a quick turnaround, with their Week 9 matchup scheduled for Thursday night against the Titans. George Pickens may not have his starting quarterback throwing him the ball either, as Kenny Pickett went down during the Jags game. Moving the ball has been difficult enough for the Steelers, and Pickett’s injury won’t help. On the other side of the ball, star defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick has already been ruled out for the game.