Posted on Oct 08
Coach Tomlin addresses George Pickens' reduced snaps: "Snap management" strategy for productivity optimization
u/alex •
George Pickens' reduced playing time during the recent Steelers loss raises questions about his role and performance.
Why it matters: The decrease in Pickens' snaps indicates a strategic decision by Coach Tomlin, but it also highlights potential concerns about his productivity and development as a player.
What's new: Pickens played a career-low 34 snaps in the game against the Cowboys, while other wide receivers on the team saw higher snap percentages.
- Van Jefferson played 81% of the snaps.
- Calvin Austin III played 76% of the snaps.
Yes, but: Coach Tomlin defended Pickens' effort and attributed the reduced workload to a "snap management" strategy aimed at optimizing productivity over the course of the 17-game season.
Between the lines: Comparing Pickens' usage to that of defensive lineman Cam Heyward, who also played fewer snaps for the sake of productivity, suggests the team's intention to balance workload and performance across different positions.
What to watch: It will be interesting to see how Pickens responds to this situation and if his playing time increases in future games.
What's next: Coach Tomlin's focus on Pickens' growth and development indicates that there is room for improvement both on and off the field.
The bottom line: While Pickens' behavior after the game and his limited playing time may raise concerns, the Steelers remain committed to his progress and believe in his potential.