The method behind King George’s madness

George Pickens is building a name for himself by making tough catches and breaking big plays in both training camp and in the Steelers first preseason game. But he’s also gained attention for a block he threw midway through the first quarter against the Seahawks.

I want to look at that play, and the surrounding plays, because I think they tell an interesting story that shows the real value of that now-viral block. It starts with the first play of the second drive.

Steelers vs. Seahawks, 1st quarter, 8:53

George Pickens is the receiver farthest to the bottom of the screen.

Trubisky hits Connor Heyward here, but look to the bottom of the screen. Pickens’ deep route runs the safety deep enough to…