Patriots Betting Breakdown: Week 2 at Steelers
Slim Pickens
It was a quiet NFL debut for Steelers rookie receiver George Pickens last Sunday. Pickensย cemented himself as Pittsburghโs third receiver, playing 45 snaps and running 37 routes. Theย play time did not result in production however, as the former Georgia Bulldog hauled in just oneย of three targets for three yards, despite being shadowed by Bengals cornerback Eli Apple inย man-to-man coverage for the majority of the game.
The 6-foot-3 Pickens in known for his deep-ball skills, but half of Mitch Trubiskyโs 38 throws inย Week 1 traveled 5 yards or less downfield. And when he did air it out there was little success.ย Of his seven attempts of 20-plus yards in the air, he completed just two. Trubisky was also 0-for-3 on passes that went over 30 yards downfield.
If New England plays a similar defensive style they did against Miami in Week 1, they will playย plenty of zone coverage โ which limited the Dolphins to just two deep completions. Theย Patriots pass rush limited Miamiโs ability to push the ball downfield, something that could carryย over against the remodeled Steelers front. With Trubisky looking to get the ball out quick andย take care of the football, Pickens could be in for another quiet game.
The pick: George Pickens Under 30.5 receiving yards (-115)