The Pittsburgh Steelers needed the New York Giants to lose the way they did so they didn’t look so bad.
Mike Tomlin’s team wasn’t ready to face the San Francisco 49ers, struggling to execute on both sides of the field.
Their offense was out of sync and rhythm, and Kenny Pickett never actually found his stride.
To make things even worse, it seems like their most talented wideout isn’t satisfied with his usage.
According to Arye Pulli (via JPA Football), George Pickens liked a comment that there was nobody to get him the ball.
𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚: #Steelers WR George Pickens seems to be upset over his usage in the team’s game today
He liked a comment on his Instagram post saying “Nobody to get that man the ball tho”
Pickens had 5 receptions for 36 yards.
(H/T: @AryePulli) pic.twitter.com/XntJNrBesQ
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 11, 2023
The Georgia product was targeted seven times, hauling in just five receptions for 36 yards.
Still, it’s not like they didn’t try to get him the football, as he was second in targets behind Allen Robinson (9).
Pickens is expected to have a breakout season in 2023.
He showed glimpses of great play and strong chemistry with Pickett once the Pittsburgh product became QB1 midseason.
Nothing went his team’s way in the season opener, and while there’s no denying that he could’ve been of more help — especially after Diontae Johnson went down with an injury, you also have to give the 49ers a lot of credit for how they dominated them on both sides of the ball.
Things won’t get any easier next week, as the Steelers will host the Cleveland Browns for an epic divisional battle on Monday Night Football, and they simply cannot afford to fall to 0-2, especially after putting up just 7 points in their season opener.
NEXT: Stats Show How Steelers' Offense Has Struggled Against 49ers
