George Pickens - Zero targets.

I feel like it was a lot of this, as well as only 20 attempts even passing the ball. This game and the circumstances surrounding it did not add up to a George Pickens impact type performance. When Pickens is concentrated on others should get the receptions, and they did. Rudolph, to his credit, found the correct reads and got the ball there all night. The weather was terrible for a passing game. I do believe if it had been Pickens on that deep route, 1 on 1, instead of DJ the catch is made and probably takes it to the house.
It was the correct read and the pass was there. DJ looked like he slowed up, didn't try or simply lost the ball there.

 

Ok

Exactly what play do you call against a guy who is double teamed that will get him open

 

Yep. Perfect

 

Tell that to every stud receiver tht JPJ covered this season.

 

This is what I was telling everyone while Canada was here, and those double teams on Pickens is what Kenny Pickett was facing pretty much every game. It tends to keep the stats down because there are more throws going to less explosive receivers, tight ends, and backs.

This is not an indictment of Mason Rudolph. It's just what I have been trying to explain to people all season about what defenses have been doing to defend George Pickens all season.

When the big-play receiver is taken away, the quarterback usually needs to look elsewhere. It is just the way teams usually handle it. That's why it is so important to take your shots and take advantage of it when Pickens is in single man coverage. It is up to the coaching staff to continue to scheme ways to help Pickens see more favorable coverage or create ways to help him beat it.

They can bring Pickens to the far side of the field with all other receivers on the other side of the field.

They can line up Pickens in the slot because it harder to double someone in the slot.

They can use Pickens in motion at the snap because that also makes it harder for the defense to match up.

Like you said, more route combinations with rubs or picks to get him more separation,

More bunch formations because it makes it very difficult for defenders to know their assignment and forces them to communicate more. That leads to blown coverages.

There are many things Faulkner and Sullivan can do, and I think they have been doing since Canada was let go. Yesterday was a difficult day with the coverage they used plus the rain and wind. It made it difficult to throw the deep ball. They have been doing much better finding ways to get him the ball over the last 5 weeks.

Let's hope they have a chance to continue to try to figure this out going into the playoffs.

 

Ugh. I think that is incomplete

 

A win is a win. And being a Steelers fan, why would you ever think that way.

 

He needs to work a bit on his show boating and game situational awareness as well. He has improved, but still has some maturing to do.