The Pittsburgh Steelers have emerged as one of the stronger teams in the AFC this season, showcasing a dynamic defense and an offense that has found its rhythm in recent games. Despite a disappointing loss in Week 7, the team’s prospects for a playoff run appear promising. However, the emergence of former Steelers wide receiver George Pickens with the Dallas Cowboys has highlighted some potential weaknesses in the Steelers’ player development.
Pickens has been a revelation in his new role, establishing himself as a top-tier receiver and currently ranking third in the league for receiving yards, with six touchdowns to his name. His exceptional performance raises questions about how much the Steelers could have benefited from his talents, especially given the team’s ongoing struggles at quarterback and their reliance on the running game.
During his time with the Steelers, Pickens showcased moments of brilliance and fulfilled the role of a low-end starter. However, he never reached the same level of performance that he is currently demonstrating with the Cowboys, where the offensive scheme appears to enhance his vertical skills. This situation mirrors the earlier experience of offensive lineman Kevin Dotson, who struggled in Pittsburgh but has excelled since being traded to the Rams, now regarded as one of the league’s top guards.
Additionally, this trend raises concerns about the development of current young players on the Steelers’ roster, such as Broderick Jones, Keeanu Benton, and Joey Porter, who seem to plateau in their performances without making significant progress. It poses the intriguing question of how these players might thrive in different systems.
Historically, the Steelers have been known for optimizing player potential, but the recent success of former players elsewhere suggests that the organization may be falling short in developing talent to its fullest. With players like Dotson and Pickens flourishing after leaving Pittsburgh, there’s a growing concern about the team’s ability to nurture its own talent effectively, prompting a reevaluation of the Steelers’ development strategies moving forward.