George Pickens expresses his concerns towards receiving tough love from newly appointed WR coach due to….
New wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni hasn’t been shy about expressing his displeasure if he doesn’t like the way his Pittsburgh Steelers players are practicing. Azzanni’s intense approach has been evident from the start, as he ensures his players understand his high standards and expectations.
This no-nonsense, in-your-face approach doesn’t seem to bother third-year wide receiver George Pickens, even though they have had their disagreements. On the very first day of training camp, Pickens and Azzanni had a heated verbal exchange on the practice field at Saint Vincent College, a testament to both the coach’s fiery style and Pickens’ competitive spirit.
“I welcome him,” Pickens commented on Saturday after the Steelers completed their third practice session of camp. He emphasized that this kind of direct and demanding coaching isn’t new to him. Pickens shared that Azzanni isn’t the first coach to challenge him openly on the practice field. He had a similar experience at Georgia, where Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart often pushed him to his limits.
“I had a coach like that in college, so it’s not a huge change for me,” Pickens said. “That’s Coach Z’s personality.” His previous experience with a demanding coach like Smart has likely prepared Pickens for Azzanni’s rigorous coaching style, making it easier for him to adapt and thrive under pressure.
Despite any confrontations, Pickens isn’t holding any grudges against his new coach. In fact, he seems to appreciate the high-energy atmosphere that Azzanni brings to the field. “He’s a great guy,” Pickens stated. “High energy, for sure.” This positive outlook indicates that Pickens understands the value of tough coaching in pushing him to become a better player.
The departure of veteran receiver Diontae Johnson, who was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, has significantly changed the dynamic of the Steelers’ wide receiver corps. With Johnson gone, Pickens now stands as the most experienced receiver in the organization. He and Calvin Austin both entered the NFL in 2022, but Austin spent his entire rookie year on injured reserve, leaving Pickens as the de facto veteran despite his relative youth.
Pickens’ impressive performance in his second year made it easier for the team to part ways with Johnson. In 2023, Pickens led the NFL with an average of 18.1 yards per catch, amassing 1,140 yards on 63 receptions and scoring five touchdowns, a career high. His ability to make big plays down the field and his knack for gaining significant yardage after the catch have established him as a key offensive weapon for the Steelers.
“We’re all carving out our roles and developing our roles,” head coach Mike Tomlin said. “From George’s perspective, he’s got some unique talent, and we want it to show up extremely consistently.” Tomlin’s comments highlight the team’s confidence in Pickens and their desire for him to become a consistent and reliable target in the passing game.
During his first two seasons, Pickens occasionally showed lapses in maturity on the field. The most noteworthy incident occurred during a game in Indianapolis last year when he stopped blocking on a goal-line play to avoid injury. These moments of inconsistency and immaturity were part of his growing pains as a young player adjusting to the NFL.
Now, as the team’s clear No. 1 receiver, Pickens also faces the responsibility of stepping up as a leader. “I lead by example,” Pickens said. “I let Coach Z still do his job and lead the room. Guys are going to naturally follow me by my play.” His approach to leadership is rooted in his actions on the field, setting a standard for his teammates through his performance and work ethic.
The Steelers have not added a wide receiver with Johnson’s experience in the offseason. Johnson had three seasons with at least 85 catches during his five years with the Steelers, making him a reliable and productive target. In his absence, the Steelers have signed veterans Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, Quez Watkins, and Marquez Callaway, all of whom bring different skills and experiences to the team.
Unless the Steelers make a trade in the next six weeks, they will likely start the season with one of these players or rookie third-rounder Roman Wilson alongside Pickens, with Austin potentially starting as well. This mix of veterans and young players will need to step up and contribute to fill the void left by Johnson’s departure.
“I don’t even know about any of that,” Pickens said when asked about the need for another receiver. “I just come out and practice.” His focus remains on his own preparation and performance, trusting the coaching staff to handle roster decisions.
Pickens also isn’t worried about the extra attention he’ll get from defenses in 2024. “When Diontae was here, we were both double-teamed,” Pickens said. “It will be the same treatment. If you’re a good player, coordinators are going to pay attention to you.” He understands that being a top receiver comes with increased scrutiny from opposing defenses, but he is confident in his ability to handle the pressure and continue to make plays for his team.
As the Steelers move forward into the new season, the combination of Azzanni’s demanding coaching style and Pickens’ growing leadership role will be crucial in shaping the team’s success. With Pickens leading by example on the field and embracing the challenges posed by his new coach, the Steelers’ wide receiver group is poised to develop and thrive under their guidance.
