Both Pittsburgh Steelers fans and fantasy football managers were left wondering the same thing during the team’s 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night:
Where was George Pickens?
The Steelers’ No. 1 receiver played only 59% of the offensive snaps. While he was targeted a team-high seven times, Pickens caught just three passes for 26 yards, with 21 of those coming from a single catch. He also sat out an entire series in the second quarter.
When asked why Pickens played only 34 of 57 snaps, head coach Mike Tomlin cited a surprising reason: “snap management.”
This by Tomlin about the lack of George Pickens on the field just won’t ever sit right with me. It’s bad logic.
Your offense has ZERO other threats at WR. Any play GP isn’t on the field offensively, you’re hurting yourself. It’s that simple.
Less isn’t more. It’s a bad idea. pic.twitter.com/DtVSWV5lia
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) October 7, 2024
“We wanted to reduce his reps to increase productivity,” Tomlin explained. “We’re managing reps with a bigger picture in mind. He wasn’t any less of a focus in our offensive plans, but we cut his snaps to aim for higher-quality play overall.”
The full exchange with Mike Tomlin on George Pickens playing only 34 of 57 offensive snaps
Tomlin: "We just wanted to minimize his reps in an effort to get more productivity. … We did want to cut his reps a little bit in an effort to get higher quality play, just in general." pic.twitter.com/mQw2vD2i5q
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 7, 2024
Tomlin compared this to how the team monitors snaps for defensive linemen like six-time Pro Bowler Cameron Heyward. However, Heyward is 35, while Pickens, at 23, is expected to have a breakout season with new quarterback Justin Fields.
“It’s just about snap management,” Tomlin said. “There’s no underlying story, to be honest.”
Despite Tomlin’s straightforward explanation, it’s hard not to wonder if there’s another reason behind Pickens’ reduced playing time.
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