Watch: Steelers receiver silences critics with 86-yard TD

Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Steelers wide receiver opens game by silencing critics with 86-yard touchdown

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 12/23/23

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was under fire this week for his lack of effort in the team's loss to the Indianapolis Colts a week ago. There were even calls for the Steelers to bench him for Saturday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Steelers did not bench him and were rewarded for that decision on their second offensive play from scrimmage, when Pickens caught a quick pass from quarterback Mason Rudolph and turned it into an 86-yard touchdown to give the Steelers an early lead.

Here is a look at the play.

The route. The breakaway speed.

What a start for George Pickens and the @steelers.

: #CINvsPIT on NBC
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/yewPow3ekF pic.twitter.com/rwOM0F3Wsg
— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2023

Rudolph got the start on Saturday as regular starter Kenny Pickett continues to be sidelined with an ankle injury and backup Mitch Trubisky struggling to move the offense. Pickens is the most talented wide receiver the Steelers have – and arguably the most talented player on the offense regardless of position – and has flashed big-play potential over his first two years in the league. The Steelers' inconsistent quarterback play has limited what he can do at times.

But Pickens was his own worst enemy a week ago when he lost a jump ball to a much smaller defensive back that resulted in an interception and then stopped blocking on a play that cost running back Jaylen Warren a touchdown. Pickens drew more criticism during the week when he said he was trying to avoid getting injured on the play. He showed here on this play on Saturday what he is capable of when the Steelers can get the football to him.

More must-reads: