Pickens Previews Matchup vs. Surtain

Life as a No. 1 receiver in the NFL isn’t an easy one. The burden of expectations, the responsibility when the offense goes sideways, the weekly contest against stars on the other side of the line of scrimmage.

That’s the life of Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens. As he attempts to prove himself as one of the sport’s most talented receivers, he’s comfortably atop Pittsburgh’s depth chart and taking on the tasks that come with such an honor.

Against the Denver Broncos on Sunday, that will include finding ways to separate against All-World cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

It’s safe to say the two have a history, duking it out for SEC supremacy between Pickens’ Georgia Bulldogs and Surtain’s Alabama Crimson Tide. What was once prime-time college football television is now a late-afternoon treat.

“Just be myself, to be honest. I went up against Pat Surtain in college. So a lot of this stuff isn’t new for me. … He’s just a good player. … I’m a good player,” Pickens said on Wednesday, via Aaron Becker . “There’s a lot of good players around the league.”

Since being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, Surtain has done little but dominate. He has a first-team All-Pro selection to his name and two Pro Bowls, and was recently rewarded with a monster four-year, $96 million extension in September.

Surtain presents the biggest obstacle to the Steelers passing offense on Sunday. They’ll likely be led by Justin Fields, who played well against Denver a season ago, but may not be as reliant on Pickens as they were in Week 1.

The receiver led Pittsburgh in targets (seven), receptions (six), and yards (85) in the team’s 18-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons. His receiving yards line for Sunday is hovering around 55.5 yards.

“Just hope they have their plan correct,” Pickens said . “I don’t really know or care what they’re gonna do.”

It goes without saying that a poor outing from Pickens could have significant consequences for an offense that lacks any semblance of depth behind its high-profile target. If he’s taken out of the play, Steelers fans are more likely to see a version of Fields that is forced to hold onto the ball for too long, opening the door for more negative plays.

Related: No Revenge for Russ: Steelers 'Preparing' To Start Fields vs. Broncos

Given Russell Wilson’s proximity to the starting job, and the opportunity for Fields to keep it with a worthwhile performance, it’s reasonable to suggest that Pickens’ play on Sunday could influence future decisions under center.

It will be on the Steelers’ top playmaker to leave his mark on an early-season contest that’s awfully reminiscent of a Saturday SEC classic.