Quez Watkins connects on deep ball from Russell Wilson at OTAs, looks to bring that to Steelers
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It took less than a week of on-field, practice-like work for Quez Watkins to show some deep-ball chemistry for his new team and with his new quarterback.
The speedy Watkins confirmed making a catch on a long passing play during Thursday’s Pittsburgh Steelers organized team activities session, beating No. 1 cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in the process.
“Honestly, I really wasn’t focused (which DB) it was on; it was just really getting that connection with Russ,” Watkins said afterward at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “We talked about it earlier. At the end of the day we are just trying to hit that, get connections.
“That (deep completions) is what he (Wilson) has been doing his whole career — and I am ready to be one of his guys.”
Watkins, who joined the Steelers via a one-year contract in March, established a reputation as a big-play threat at times over an uneven four-year tenure with the Philadelphia Eagles. During his second season after being a sixth-round pick in 2020, Watkins’ 20 targets on passes thrown 20 or more yards downfield ranked among the top 30 of any receiver in the NFL (per Pro Football Focus).
The following year, only 11 receivers across the league had more touchdown receptions than Watkins on passes thrown at least 20 yards downfield (three).
Now, in unbiased circles, credit for this short screen pass turned 79-yard TD would go to WR Quez Watkins. Fair enough.
But all #RavensFlock sees is their former Super Bowl MVP owning the Steelers again.
Joe Flacco, Ravens Legendpic.twitter.com/an0r8rWxrD
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) August 13, 2021
For a player whose overall career totals (98 catches in 49 games) do not stand out, that so much of Watkins’ production has come on deep balls is intriguing.
“That’s definitely part of my game that I want to continue to display,” Watkins said of deep balls, “and I am here to show everything else that I can do.”
Watkins joins a receiving corps that was revamped from last season. The only significant returnee is George Pickens. The Steelers signed veterans Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller in addition to Watkins, and they drafted Roman Wilson in the third round.
“When I saw that they had traded (former WR1 Diontae Johnson), for me it was a great opportunity to come in and have potential to be a No. 2 or whatever they want me to be,” Watkins said. “It’s a good place for me to actually compete for that spot.”