Steelers WR George Pickens caught 6 of his 7 targets for 85 yards from QB Justin Fields in Week 1 against the Falcons. Though the Steelers did not score a TD in the game, Pickens was a heavy part of the passing game.
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Being the only real WR threat on the Steelers, Pickens earned the lion's share of targets for the Steelers from Fields this week. The goal was obviously to use play action to set up the deep pass to Pickens, which worked.
The key reception was a 40-yarder down the field from Fields in the second half to help the Steelers extend their lead (where they kicked six FGs in the game).
There was a clear connection between Pickens and Fields in the game, which puts Pickens' future a bit in flux with QB Russell Wilson likely coming back next week for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers draw the Broncos next week, who had a poor run defense last season. They may have a similar gameplan of ground and pound while setting up those deep play action passes. A similar stat line with a TD could push Pickens further toward WR1 territory, but the Steelers offense appears allergic to getting into the end zone.