The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense has fallen off a cliff since their game against the Philadelphia Eagles. They have not scored more than 17 points, and that was without George Pickens. However, against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Steelers scored just 10 points in a disastrous performance.

Pickens was not targeted heavily in his return, and instead, the Steelers opted to continue to pound the ball into the ground and target other players.

Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson is concerned about how the Steelers use Pickens. He sees Pickens as a special talent, but does not see the Steelers utilizing him in that manner.

“I wish they would realize it too and maximize his potential,” added Johnson. “Put him in different positions to make some of those plays outside of go ball here, go ball there. Move him around, let him touch it early. You know he’s a playmaker. I’ve seen him glance and go to the house. He can do some of the same things that Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase can do, he’s special, but they don’t use him in that sense.”

Pickens, at his best, has played like one of the best wide receivers in the NFL this year. There are concerns about effort, and the team has addressed those publicly and privately. Yet, Pickens is not featured or schemed the ball nearly enough throughout each game.

That is on Arthur Smith and the coaching staff. If the Steelers want to help themselves get out of the offensive rut, bringing Pickens back into the focus of the offense seems like a huge part of that.