Steelers Players' Effort Called Out By Chris Long: "These Guys Don't Love Football"

The entire Pittsburgh Steelers organization has been under fire over the last three weeks. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has been called out for not being able to keep his locker room in check, and for the obvious lack of effort shown by certain players. Tomlin's seat has gotten warm due to the way the Steelers have played over the past month, and even former NFL player Chris Long called out the team for their lack of effort recently. 

It seems that every week now, a new clip surfaces of either George Pickens or Diontae Johnson showing a serious lack of effort and effecting the Steelers in a negative way. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, it was Johnson giving no effort at all when Jaylen Warren fumbled the ball, allowing the Bengals to get an easy recovery and return. In Week 15 against the Indianapolis Colts, it was Pickens not finishing his block on a play where Warren should have scored. Instead, Pickens' man made the tackle at the goal line. 

In the most recent episode of Green Light With Chris Long, Chris and his brother Kyle Long were discussing whether or not Tomlin should really be fired following the 2023 season, and Kyle brought up that he believes Pittsburgh needs change. Chris agreed and brought up the lack of effort he has seen from the Steelers over the last few weeks as his reasoning. 

"The wide receiver room, I hate singling guys out because I was a player and I'm sure if you took a look back at my career, you could find things you can single me out for, but in this situation, it is inexcusable to give the effort that some of these guys have given over the last month."

Both Johnson and Pickens have had trouble producing this season, mainly due to inconsistent quarterback play, as well as being a part of a flawed offensive system that is left over from the days of Matt Canada. Obviously, this has caused both receivers to grow extremely frustrated throughout the season, and their frustration has shown at multiple points. It's okay to be frustrated with your role in the offense, or how often you see the ball. However, you cannot take plays off and decide not to do your job during a game in the NFL.

Chris once again brought up the play against the Bengals where Johnson seemed to just watch a fumble roll by him, and do nothing to attempt to recover it or chase after the defender who recovered the ball. The play took points off of the board for the Steelers, and could have ended in a touchdown for Cincinnati had it not been for a tackle made by Connor Heyward. 

"When the ball hits the ground, he doesn't even f*****g move. And I know that players first reactions when they're criticized on stuff like this is to say, 'Oh, you don't understand.' Bulls**t. Give effort. Act like you love football. Because to me, these guys don't love football. If you love football, you don't need a reason to finish a play. I don't care if you're out of it or not."

Steelers Receivers Are Main Source For Team's Drama In 2023

Both Johnson and Pickens have shown that when used right, they have what it takes to be two great receivers in the NFL. But in order to do that, they both need to stop taking plays off and stop putting themselves before the team. Both players have been a distraction to the team at different points this season, with Johnson getting into fights with his teammates and Pickens throwing temper tantrums on the sidelines. It'd be great to see Johnson and Pickens mature some, and show that they care about team success more than their own individual success.

What do you think about the comments made by Long? Let us know in the comments below!

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