CINCINNATI — Mike Tomlin has been a staunch defender of George Pickens, but after Pickens committed two personal fouls during Sunday’s win over the Bengals, the Steelers coach is unsure what to do about his young wideout. He acknowledged that something needed to change.
Pickens had to be escorted off the field At the end of last week’s loss to Cleveland, he was cautioned for both provocation and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties during a game Pittsburgh won 44-38. Both penalties minimized the impact of two catches by Pickens.
“You just have to grow up,” Tomlin said. “It’s an emotional game. Division games are big. He has a target on his back because he’s George (Pickens). He understands that, but he has to grow. He has to grow in a hurry. No.”
After the first penalty, Tomlin spoke with Pickens on the sideline and they hugged shortly afterward. Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson was also in Pickens’ ear throughout the game.
Like Tomlin, Wilson was asked to discuss Pickens and his recent issues with officials. When asked about Pickens, 99 percent of Wilson’s answer was praise for his 23-year-old teammate who is still learning his way around the NFL. However, Wilson acknowledged that Pickens needs to do a better job when it comes to controlling his emotions.
“I said to him on the sideline, ‘When you’re one of the best players in the world, you expect him to play like that, and he doesn’t necessarily have to do anything special,'” Wilson said Sunday. Looking back after the victory. “He responded and did well. … He knows he can help us in a really great way. He’s worked hard all year. He’s a great teammate.” .He’s one of the best teammates in the way he works. He’s learning everything.”…But he’s got to get smarter, too, and he’s going to do that.”
As Wilson alluded to, Pickens played an integral role in Pittsburgh’s 9-3 start. But what still holds him back are penalties that have nothing to do with the play.
“I hope not,” Pickens said in his postgame press conference when asked if he felt like he was being targeted by officials. “Like any receiver in the league, I just come here to play. Some calls don’t go my way. All I can do is keep playing.”
The first penalty was for taunting after Pickens made a 21-yard catch late in the first quarter. However, Pittsburgh overcame a 15-yard penalty after Wilson threw the game-clinching touchdown pass to Calvin Austin III.
After a 36-yard grab on Pittsburgh’s first drive of the second half, it briefly looked like Pickens’ day would come to an early end when he was again flagged by the referees. However, instead of being sentenced to a provocation penalty (which would have led to an ejection), Pickens was declared unsportsmanlike conduct and was allowed to remain in the game.
However, this penalty contributed to the Steelers’ inability to score points on the drive. The penalty prevented the ball from reaching the Bengals’ own 13-yard line and forced Pittsburgh back to Cincinnati’s 28-yard line. The drive ultimately ended with a missed field goal that briefly shifted momentum to the home team.
Pickens, an emotional player to begin with, appeared to force Pickens to the ground with a 51-yard pick-six on Pittsburgh’s first drive, but a missed call from Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt led to a 51-yard pick-six on Pittsburgh’s first drive. He seemed to be playing with more emotion. Pickens responded quickly, then scored the Steelers’ first touchdown of the game with a 17-yard catch-and-carry.
“Plays happen. Everybody hugs me,” Pickens said of the no-call with the No. 6 pick. “I’m one of the top receivers so I’m going to get held. I just have to make plays when it happens.”
Pickens admitted Sunday’s game was shaky, but that’s typical in games between two division rivals. He also admitted that great players already know there is no need to hurt themselves by taking costly penalties. Pickens also said he doesn’t want to hurt the team.
All of this makes his response confusing when asked if he would change anything about the game.
“Um, no,” Pickens said. “I can keep running my routes and keep making plays. The referees are going to call certain penalties.”
Talent has never been an issue for Pickens, who has led the Steelers in nearly every statistical category since joining the team in 2022. But until he learns to better control his emotions, Pickens’ chances will remain handcuffed. The Steelers’ potential as a legitimate threat coming out of the AFC.
