A lot of the discuss across the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 2 matchup in opposition to the Denver Broncos has centered round whether or not quarterback Russell Wilson will get the possibility at revenge after reaggravating his calf damage.
Nevertheless, the distinction between Pittsburgh coming away with its second win to open the common season may very well be extensive receiver George Pickens.
The previous second-round choose had his approach for many of the Steelers’ Week 1 win in opposition to the Falcons, ending the day with six catches for 85 yards. He may have had one other catch that might have put him nicely over 100 yards receiving if it weren’t for a controversial offensive go interference name, too.
It may very well be harder for Pickens to have related success this week as Denver has somebody Atlanta does not: Former All-Professional and two-time Professional Bowl cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Surtain, top-of-the-line defenders within the NFL, was simply paid as such with a four-year, $96 million contract extension. He backed it up final week when he adopted Seattle Seahawks extensive receiver DK Metcalf and held him to only three catches for 29 yards.
Pickens is not frightened, although.
“Simply be myself, to be sincere. I went up in opposition to Pat Surtain in school. So a number of these items isn’t new for me,” Pickens mentioned. “He is only a good participant, identical to a number of the opposite gamers in right here. There’s good gamers. I am a superb participant. There’s a number of good gamers across the league.”
Pickens does not lack for confidence, which he’ll want lining up in opposition to a participant of Surtain’s caliber. He should again up his phrases together with his play come Sunday, however appears prepared for regardless of the Broncos have cooked up for him.
“Simply hope they’ve their plan appropriate,” Pickens added. “I do not actually know or care what they’re gonna do.”
As for Pittsburgh’s plan on offense, it seems like quarterback Justin Fields is on monitor to start out as soon as once more. Wilson was restricted in Wednesday’s follow as Fields continued to get reps because the starter.
Pickens believes having a full week’s work with Fields ought to solely assist the offense’s probabilities of success.
“Simply all the fellows coming collectively to make the plan go, to make the performs go as a result of we actually had extra time earlier than Week 1 than we’ve got this week,” Pickens completed.
Solely time will inform which quarterback will formally be throwing Pickens the ball this week, however he is prepared for Surtain or no matter Denver has in retailer.
All quotations obtained firsthand except in any other case famous.
