The Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin defended George Pickens, his rookie wide receiver while giving his final press conference of the 2022 season. The Steelers ended the season on a strong uptick, making a huge comeback after the bye week. While they were not able to secure a playoff spot they did manage to keep Tomlin at least .500 for the 16th season in a row.
That isn't the only reason for optimism this season, there are a number of young and/or rookie players that showed exceptional growth and promise. One of those is Pickens.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 22: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers makes a one-handed catch ahead of Martin Emerson Jr. #23 of the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Steelers Mike Tomlin Says Media Labeled Pickens Wrong
Pickens played college football at the University of Georgia and fans have been somewhat divided on the Steelers selecting him in the second round of the draft. The media portrayed Pickens as having a bit of an anger management problem. In addition, he had an ACL tear that kept him out of games. The media, of course, preferred to sensationalize the situation making Pickens seem like an undisciplined hothead.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers talks with George Pickens #14 in the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
There is no disputing that Pickens is passionate, but it doesn't always translate well, and maybe he's a little quirky. He went viral standing in front of his TV on draft night wearing a balaclava and became an immediate sensation. He also received negative attention for a frustrated outburst on the sideline during the Atlanta Falcons game. On Monday, Tomlin stood up for his receiver, and rightfully so.
He has had nothing short of a remarkable rookie season, it gives a lot of hope for his future with the organization. This season Pickens had 52 receptions for 801 yards with his average being 15.4 yards and a long of 42 yards. He also had four touchdowns. And contested catches? Fuhgeddaboudit, headed into Week 18 Pickens had already set the rookie record for the NFL with 18, according to PFF.
Pickens was able to do all of this while the offense sputtered all season. They all had a slow start under initial Quarterback Mitch Trubisky but things seemed to pick up with Kenny Pickett taking over the helm. The post-bye turnaround showed fans the amount of promise this young team has. Tomlin silenced Pickens' critics and let the media know he doesn't agree with their prior negative assessment.
"I sometimes get resistant when I get asked about his maturity and character-related things because oftentimes I believe he got mischaracterized pre-draft," Tomlin said. "That's why I'm combative at times and defensive when it comes to him. He's a quality young man. He is. He's professional. He's been really consistent in his work throughout. He loves football. He likes to work. We haven't seen a lot of things that we hear rumors regarding in terms of him, and that's why we defend him."
Earlier this season after the aggravation in Atlanta over not getting the ball sent his way more, Tomlin responded that he would rather say, "whoa than sic 'em." As Tomlin has mentioned, these men are all professional athletes, they all want more. It is in their nature to be competitive, Type-A, and hungry, this isn't unique to Pickens. It seems as though fans should be relieved, no one wants an apathetic receiver who seems indifferent to how often he sees the ball.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 13: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sidelines during a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
There is no denying that Pickens is able to do some amazing things on the field. Pittsburgh seems to be exactly in the right place for him as Tomlin is known for helping mold players as they mature. In addition, there are some solid leaders on the team that can help guide him, we have already seen Cam Heyward and Diontae Johnson step up. The idea of getting to watch the chemistry between Pickett and Pickens for at least a few more years gives you butterflies. Just imagine the possibilities as the offense gets strengthened during the offseason.
"I think he progressed in the way that most of the rookies progress. I think it's a natural thing when you're a young guy and you get put into a professional environment around grown men that you grow and grow at a rapid rate. I saw that from him, I thought the consistency of his play and his productivity kind of represented that growth. But it's a really natural thing."
What do you think about Tomlin's defense of Pickens? What are you hoping to see out of him in his second season? Comment below.
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