Optimistic About The Offense? George Pickens - “Nah”

[86WARD]

Pickens telling it like it is after the spanking they took.

Truth hurts…

Or he just doesn’t understand what optimistic means.

Pickens: “Yeah I’ve seen signs of growth for sure. Since the first year I’ve been here, way more growth, for sure.”

Question: Does that make you optimistic moving forward?

Pickens: “nah.”

[steelcityboyz]

Doesn't make me very optimistic either after the beating they took last night.

[Mojouw]

Why would anyone be optimistic about sn offense that gained less than 60 yards inna half?

At least Pickens is willing to say it.

He also might be the only skill position player on the roster who would start on another team.

[86WARD]

Why would anyone be optimistic about sn offense that gained less than 60 yards inna half?

At least Pickens is willing to say it.

He also might be the only skill position player on the roster who would start on another team.

Freiermuth and Harris would start on other teams. Beyond that though…there’s a HUGE drop off. Some may not even be back ups on other teams.

[Mojouw]

Freiermuth and Harris would start on other teams. Beyond that though…there’s a HUGE drop off. Some may not even be back ups on other teams.

I can see that. But I'm not sure it's the majority of rosters.

[oneforthetoe]

Why would anyone be optimistic about sn offense that gained less than 60 yards inna half?

At least Pickens is willing to say it.

He also might be the only skill position player on the roster who would start on another team.

Putting the head coach debate aside, that is why I say offense is more personnel and defense more coaching. Now, of course, that doesn't mean Smith has been perfect, but he doesn't have fire power to run his offense. Similarly, while I think they do need to upgrade some positions on defense (d line the most) my amateur eyes see an undisciplined defense with guys being in the wrong place, overrunning plays, being out of control and missing too many tackles.

Now, I will give the Ravens credit for how they started the game. They knew the Steelers would concentrate Henry and the misdirection with Lamar was well played. However, undisciplined defensive play has been a problem for the last 6 weeks or so. Maybe it started because of all of the injuries and they couldn't get out of it?

[Mojouw]

Putting the head coach debate aside, that is why I say offense is more personnel and defense more coaching. Now, of course, that doesn't mean Smith has been perfect, but he doesn't have fire power to run his offense. Similarly, while I think they do need to upgrade some positions on defense (d line the most) my amateur eyes see an undisciplined defense with guys being in the wrong place, overrunning plays, being out of control and missing too many tackles.

Now, I will give the Ravens credit for how they started the game. They knew the Steelers would concentrate Henry and the misdirection with Lamar was well played. However, undisciplined defensive play has been a problem for the last 6 weeks or so. Maybe it started because of all of the injuries and they couldn't get out of it?

I'll get on board with offense being a talent issue. One that can be quickly corrected.

I think, as was highlighted by others, they need a newo line approach to maximize the potential their draft investment has garnered. Also having Frazier and McCormick be not rookies should pay big dividends across the board.

I have my complaints about the TE group but it's fine.

The WR group needs added to in a big way. Roman Wilson is another example of why you can't count on draft picks to fix things right away. They need a Queen level FA signing and another draft pick. Cut bait with Jefferson, Miller, CPat, and Williams. Keep Skrow. Can't believe I'm.saying that. But that gritty bastard has grown on me.

RB is a mess. Part of me thinks they're fine if the on line playsto their potential. Part of me thinks they need about 3 new RBs. Smarter folks than I will need to figure that out.

Hanging over all of it is QB. Without significant better play from that position through existing or new plsyets, the rest may not really matter.

In defense, I dunno. Again smarter people than me s4e going to have to figure it out. All I.onow is that for years all anyone had to say was no more zone. They're a man and matchup zone team now. Still have issues. So I'm hesitant to believe "scheme" is a magic fix. It seems to be what people say when they're out of other ideas. Who was that wunderkind DC from the Rams who.has sucked everywhere else without prime Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey to make it work?

What I THINK I did see is that Larry O got pushed around asthr season wore on. Either he's hurt or old. Or both. Wilson struggled with getting offblocks and fighting through traffic all season. He's a rookie. It will get better. In coverage, Sutton and Bishop got picked on all year. Sutton isn't the guy he was. He should be gone. Bishop makes plays but he gives up a bunch as well. Overall, Queen, Wilson, and Nickleback Whoever, seemed to struggle as things hot passed through when they played zone. And all had some challenges in man. But, in a sense, it was their first rodeo between being rookies and new to the system respectively.

I think with some fresh horses up front, they might be more than okay. But, again, I don't know.

[EzraTank]

Freiermuth and Harris would start on other teams. Beyond that though…there’s a HUGE drop off. Some may not even be back ups on other teams.

So could Mike Williams and few others but it would require a legit offensive coordinator, head coach and most importantly QB that can see over the offensive line without happy feet.

[86WARD]

I don’t think it’s nearly as much of a talent issue as it is a coaching and personnel usage issue.

The O-Line is poorly coached. The WRs are poorly coached. Running an offense with Skoronek, Jefferson and Austin over Freiermuth, Williams and Pickens should NEVER, EVER, EVER occur…not even with the team up 40 points and 1 minute left. Outside toss plays to Najee Harris should’ve never occurred. If these are all situations where ONLY those guys make this plays successful, then this plays should not occur.

[Mojouw]

So could Mike Williams and few others but it would require a legit offensive coordinator, head coach and most importantly QB that can see over the offensive line without happy feet.

Nah. Mike Williams is kind of a junkball guy. He runs crappy routes. All he can really do is grab jumpballs. He's not a starting caliber WR any longer.

[86WARD]

Nah. Mike Williams is kind of a junkball guy. He runs crappy routes. All he can really do is grab jumpballs. He's not a starting caliber WR any longer.

Coached properly and utilized properly, he could probably be a decent 2

[Mojouw]

Coached properly and utilized properly, he could probably be a decent 2

Nope. Mike Williams entire career has been one thing - jump balls and contested catches along boundary. He was brought in to help extend Rivers career. He did that well. Gave Rivers a ball winner to pair with Allen.

But as the Chargers got in need of someone to step up in their WR room, Williams didn't.

He can do one thing. And while that's useful and he might turn up as a contributor onna rosternext year; it's the same thing every other wideout on the Steelers already does. He's unnecessary and not all that useful.

[86WARD]

Nope. Mike Williams entire career has been one thing - jump balls and contested catches along boundary. He was brought in to help extend Rivers career. He did that well. Gave Rivers a ball winner to pair with Allen.

But as the Chargers got in need of someone to step up in their WR room, Williams didn't.

He can do one thing. And while that's useful and he might turn up as a contributor onna rosternext year; it's the same thing every other wideout on the Steelers already does. He's unnecessary and not all that useful.

Yes that’s his thing…bully a DB and Hugh point the ball. However, route trees can totally be taught at the NFL level. That’s just coaching. If I remember correctly, that was the thing about Williams coming out of college, he only ran a few routes and he did run more routes with the Chargers than he did either Clemson. In New York, that wasn’t the case. Pittsburgh, not the case.

[Mojouw]

Yes that’s his thing…bully a DB and Hugh point the ball. However, route trees can totally be taught at the NFL level. That’s just coaching. If I remember correctly, that was the thing about Williams coming out of college, he only ran a few routes and he did run more routes with the Chargers than he did either Clemson. In New York, that wasn’t the case. Pittsburgh, not the case.

I didn't see him.run more routes with the Chargers. But I don't watch much Chargers ball.

I do know that a team desperate for WR talent let Williams walk without a fight. That speaks volumes to me about what they thougt Williams is now. Maybe he was a starting wideout for much of his career. But he isn't any longer.

[steelcityboyz]

I didn't see him.run more routes with the Chargers. But I don't watch much Chargers ball.

I do know that a team desperate for WR talent let Williams walk without a fight. That speaks volumes to me about what they thougt Williams is now. Maybe he was a starting wideout for much of his career. But he isn't any longer.

You're right about Williams he's a one trick pony but as 86 pointed out if he's utilized the right way he can be useful

[Mojouw]

You're right about Williams he's a one trick pony but as 86 pointed out if he's utilized the right way he can be useful

Unfortunately, George Pickens is doing his trick and far better.

Williams was a move the Steelers were wise to make. It was worth the pittance they paid.

But I'm not shocked it was a non factor.

I suspect Williams NFl career is on the downslope.

[86WARD]

Unfortunately, George Pickens is doing his trick and far better.

Williams was a move the Steelers were wise to make. It was worth the pittance they paid.

But I'm not shocked it was a non factor.

I suspect Williams NFl career is on the downslope.

I’m not sure the Steelers used him properly but it’s all water under the bridge at this point and they should be looking for a whole new WR group to add to Pickens’ room.

[Mojouw]

I’m not sure the Steelers used him properly but it’s all water under the bridge at this point and they should be looking for a whole new WR group to add to Pickens’ room.

All fair.

In 2025 the WR Room looks like:

Pickens - he's too talented to toss over
CA3 - he's fine
Wilson - he's supposed to be really good
Slow - why not?

So two or three spots. One just has to be a vet FA. The room needs improvement and leadership that a rookie can't provide.

Honestly, if Higgins makes it to market; don't overthink it. Go get him. Figure out how to fit another salary in later.

[Born2Steel]

I just love solving the Steelers problems

[86WARD]

All fair.

In 2025 the WR Room looks like:

Pickens - he's too talented to toss over
CA3 - he's fine
Wilson - he's supposed to be really good
Slow - why not?

So two or three spots. One just has to be a vet FA. The room needs improvement and leadership that a rookie can't provide.

Honestly, if Higgins makes it to market; don't overthink it. Go get him. Figure out how to fit another salary in later.

Skoronek is great on special teams. Austin Wilson whatever can all go.

[Mojouw]

Skoronek is great on special teams. Austin Wilson whatever can all go.

Austin and Wilson will be cheap. Helps push cash to Pickens and a FA.

[86WARD]

Austin and Wilson will be cheap. Helps push cash to Pickens and a FA.

True.

[oneforthetoe]

I just love solving the Steelers problems

It is just too bad that message board general manager doesn't pay. If it did I'd quit my job tomorrow.

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Austin and Wilson will be cheap. Helps push cash to Pickens and a FA.

Plus, we must maintain (if not increase) our level of Wilsons.

[Born2Steel]

It is just too bad that message board general manager doesn't pay. If it did I'd quit my job tomorrow.

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Plus, we must maintain (if not increase) our level of Wilsons.

I'm still working on the solutions.

[Mojouw]

It is just too bad that message board general manager doesn't pay. If it did I'd quit my job tomorrow.

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Plus, we must maintain (if not increase) our level of Wilsons.

Just start posting stuff "click here for the one thing other message boards won't tell you" or "see the one thing the NFL doesn't want you to.know". I'm told the monies just fall out of the sky after that.

[Voice of Reason]

I don’t think it’s nearly as much of a talent issue as it is a coaching and personnel usage issue.

The O-Line is poorly coached. The WRs are poorly coached. Running an offense with Skoronek, Jefferson and Austin over Freiermuth, Williams and Pickens should NEVER, EVER, EVER occur…not even with the team up 40 points and 1 minute left. Outside toss plays to Najee Harris should’ve never occurred. If these are all situations where ONLY those guys make this plays successful, then this plays should not occur.

I agree.