Steelers Frustrated WR George Pickens Sees Issues: "Whatever You Guys Watch On TV, I'm Watching It, Too"

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens has had a tumultuous second season in the NFL. The University of Georgia product has had one controversy after another in 2023, whether it be linked to his actions seen on TV broadcasts, or his social media shenanigans. The disgruntled receiver was called out by Head Coach Mike Tomlin for his frustrations not being solution-oriented. The Steelers' leading receiver in 2023 said that he has focused his energy in film reviews on how he can make more plays. 

Pickens spoke to the media on Thursday in advance of a crucial matchup on Saturday against the Indianapolis Colts and addressed his frustrations, but also touched on how he is approaching film study. When asked about accountability on the offensive side of the ball, the second-year receiver chose to focus on what he does himself in comment via DK Pittsburgh Sports.   

"Me personally -- I don't know about the offensive side of the ball or people at other positions but me, personally -- I just look at the game like any other guy would do after the game," he said. "Watching film, and I see what kind of plays I could have got the ball on. See if people had pressure, things of that such. But me, personally, I can just only try to get open. Whatever you guys see or whatever you guys watch on TV, I'm watching it, too." 

Pickens had back-to-back monster games for the team in Week 5 and 7 (Week 6 was a bye week) against the Baltimore Ravens and Los Angeles Rams. With Diontae Johnson injured with a hamstring ailment early in the season, the second-year receiver was targeted 10 times against the Ravens and caught six balls for 130 yards and a crucial score. Against Los Angeles, he was targeted eight times and made five catches for 107 yards. Since Week 7, Pickens has been targeted more than five times just twice. 

The Steelers targeted Pickens six times on Thursday Night Football against the New England Patriots in the team's second straight loss to an opponent who was entering the contest with only two wins. He caught five of them for 19 yards on a very upsetting night for the team. Amazon Prime's panel covering the game ripped into Pittsburgh's usage of him and Mitch Trubisky's failure to get him the ball. Kenny Pickett said earlier in 2023 before his ankle injury knocked him out that he would be trying to give him more opportunities to make plays, but as the season has gone on, that has been missing.

Steelers' Pickens Says Frustration More Tied To Losing Than Touches

Losing stinks and dropping two games that the team shouldn't have against the Arizona Cardinals and Patriots brings an extra stench. Pickens said that his conversations with Tomlin recently have been focused on the team not getting the job done as a whole.

While speaking with the media on Thursday, Pickens addressed how he's been feeling after the two devasting losses. He said it should be a relatable feeling for anyone. 

"It ain't really fun losing. You know what I'm saying? I don't even know, like, what reaction that you guys would expect from somebody to lose," Pickens explained. "If you lose in a video game, I'm pretty sure somebody gets mad. If you lose in anything that you participate in, I'm pretty sure you get mad. So, that's really the biggest component of it. For me and Coach T, it's the same relationship that we've been having."

For the Steelers to get back in the win column, they need Pickens to be focused and ready to play. He can't dwell on the lack of personal production or targets. Interim Offensive Coordinator Eddie Faulkner said they're trying to find ways to get the ball in his hands. Now it's on him to hold up his end of the bargain and go make those plays that he is seeing on film. 

What did you think of Pickens' comments? Is Pittsburgh doing enough to help him not be frustrated? Comment below!    

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