Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers' Mike Tomlin not surprised by Pickens' performance in first NFL contest

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/14/22

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver George Pickens had been the darling of training camp, turning heads with daily highlights ahead of the preseason opener.

On Saturday, Pickens got his first opportunity to shine in an NFL game, and he didn't disappoint.

Pickens scored the second touchdown of the first quarter for the Steelers, securing a tight over-the-shoulder pass from Mason Rudolph in the corner of the endzone, toe-tapping his way to six points.

George Pickens scoring touchdowns again.

He’s a UGA legend. Wouldn’t surprise me if he’s a Steeler legend by the end of his career.pic.twitter.com/IU8WYvEPOd
— Matt DeBary (@MattDeBary) August 13, 2022

The 21-year-old finished the day with three catches for 43 yards to go along with his impressive touchdown grab.

After the game, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was asked by reporters if he was surprised by Pickens' performance. Tomlin kept his response short and sweet, with a resounding "no."

Last night after the game #Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked if he saw anything from George Pickens that surprised him.

His answer: “No.”

Pickens showed the world what we've all been seeing during camp. He's a beast. No surprise there.
— Emily Giangreco (@EmilyGiangreco) August 14, 2022

Earlier this week, while the buzz around Pickens continued to intensify, Tomlin was blunt about what it would take for the rookie to take the next step.

"He's got talent, but there's a difference between talent and skill," Tomlin told Josh Carney of Steelers Depot. "And that's what we're trying to educate him and others regarding. God gives him the talent. We develop the skill and setting like this, relative to the positions that they play."

The Steelers selected Pickens with a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Georgia. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Pickens compiled 90 receptions for 1,347 yards and 14 touchdowns.

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