Mark Madden’s hot take: The Steelers’ undermanned receiver group won’t be enough against the Eagles

Mark Madden’s hot take: The Steelers’ undermanned receiver group won’t be enough against the Eagles

Hurt Hurts, then vote for Pickett.

That’s my strategy for the Steelers’ game in Philadelphia on Sunday, not least because the absence of top wideout George Pickens will cripple the Steelers’ offense.

Wouldn’t it be incredible if Jalen Hurts was injured and former Steeler Kenny Pickett was at quarterback for Philadelphia?

I’m not a fan of either team. I’m looking for the best story.

Steelers GM Omar Khan is celebrated because he has a catchy nickname: “The Khan Artist.”

But Khan maimed the Steelers’ receiving corps. That’s obvious when Pickens is out.

He traded Diontae Johnson to Carolina without a Plan B at wideout.

True, Johnson was ultimately sent to Baltimore and has since imploded. But he always got along well with the Steelers, even if he was stubborn beyond his talent.

True, the Steelers got cornerback Donte Jackson from Carolina. Jackson leads the team with five interceptions. However, since he was likely to be released by the Panthers, the Steelers could have signed him as a free agent.

Khan acquired receiver Mike Williams from the New York Jets for a fifth-round draft pick.

Williams paid immediate dividends with the game-winning touchdown catch on Nov. 10 in Washington. But since joining the Steelers, he has four catches in five games and is largely out of bounds.

The Steelers had concerns about signing Brandon Aiyuk from San Francisco before the season.

Rumor has it the Steelers were trying to trade for a few other marquee receivers. They “just missed,” like Pirates always do.

Khan should have done better than just getting Williams.

Cleveland acquired Jerry Jeudy from Denver in the offseason for fifth- and sixth-round selections. He has 59 catches for 944 yards and four touchdowns.

Jeudy is a real starter. Van Jefferson and Calvin Austin III are not. Why didn’t Khan get Jeudy?

Overall, Khan did a good job. Coach Mike Tomlin is putting his fingers in this cake, remember.

But the Steelers’ receiving corps simply isn’t good enough to consider the team a true Super Bowl contender.

Russell Wilson keeps this offense under control with spit and bale.

He has inadequate receivers. The running game mark of 3.9 yards per carry ranks third to last in the NFL. Wilson’s skill will have to do.

That works against some teams.

It’s not worth working in Philadelphia.

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