Steelers Rumors: George Pickens forced to grow up against the Los Angeles Rams
Whether he was ready for it or not, George Pickens had to grow up on the fly against the Los Angeles Rams. The LA secondary trash talked Pickens all game long despite some memorable catches from the former Georgia Bulldog. Pickens finally made a mistake, as he was called for a personal foul late in the game. He'll have to take that as a learning experience -- don't fight back when time is in your favor.
"I felt like, personally, a game like this showed me they're kind of looking for me to kind of mess up and guys are antagonizing me more because today is the first time I'd seen anything like that," Pickens said. "Guys really trying to get me out of the game or get under my skin deliberately."
Mike Tomlin appreciated the fight his team showed in the eventual win over the Rams, which helped the Steelers advance to 4-2 on the season. However, he took it as a learning experience as well, knowing Pittsburgh doesn't have the personnel to afford those kinds of mistakes.
"We've got some guys that are competitors," Tomlin said. "They've just got to compete in the appropriate and mature and professional way."
Pickens specifically is a young wide receiver who plays with a chip on his shoulder. The Steelers were lucky enough to take him in the second round despite Pickens being a first-round talent. At some point, he'll have to learn not to let opponents get under his skin.
Steelers Rumors: Mike Tomlin puts an end to Broderick Jones position battle
Mike Tomlin took some heat for sticking with Dan Moore Jr. upon his return from injury at left tackle. Rookie Broderick Jones had played admirably against the Baltimore Ravens in what was the first start of his NFL career. Pittsburgh is bringing Jones along slowly despite the first-round pick's improvements the last few weeks. They want to make sure Jones is ready to play a demanding position when the time comes.
Tomlin was asked directly about the Moore vs Jones debate, but put an end to it. "I wouldn't peel back the curtain for you if there was a debate," Tomlin said.
And there you have it. Moore has plenty of flexibility on the offensive line, and could start at multiple positions even once Jones is deemed ready. However, Moore struggled early this season. When Jones succeeded in Moore's designated injury weeks, it only fueled the conversation.
Jones's day will come, but not yet. For now, Moore is the man protecting Kenny Pickett's blind side.
Steelers Rumors: Could a trade with the Broncos be looming?
With the Denver Broncos fading into obscurity, could Sean Payton blow the whole damn thing up in hopes of receiving draft capital in return? While Patrick Surtain II is an All-Pro talent at cornerback, he's being wasted in Denver. Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports floated the Steelers as a possible landing spot, suggesting Khan and Co. could send a second-round pick to Denver in return.
"On paper, this trade makes sense for both parties. The Steelers would acquire an affordable player (Surtain is in the final year of his rookie deal) who can immediately bolster what is currently the league's 25th-ranked pass defense. In return, Denver would get a high draft pick it can use for its rebuild," DeArdo wrote.
Surtain could be worth a first rounder, which is something the Broncos will almost assuredly argue. He made the Pro Bowl and was named first-team All Pro in 2022. However, the point working against added draft capital is that he'll be entering the final season of his rookie deal come next year. The Steelers will have to break the bank to keep a player like Surtain, who is just entering his prime.
As tantalizing as this potential trade is, it remains unlikely. Pittsburgh's needs are primarily on the offensive side of the ball, and they drafted Joey Porter Jr. with the hope he would be a cheap upgrade at the cornerback position as he develops.
