Steelers' Mike Tomlin Detailed How George Pickens To "Keep His **** Mouth Shut" When Team Is Losing

Amidst several questions surrounding the team, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the media on Wednesday per their request. He already held his weekly press conference on Monday, but the media seemingly wanted some clarity on some hazy topics. Most notably, wide receiver George Pickens has been the center of attention over the last few days. 

After he showed poor effort once again in Week 16, he responded with some interesting comments to the media. That didn't exactly sit well with fans, or Tomlin it seems. Pickens was the hot topic for most of Tomlin's media session on Wednesday, specifically in relationship to his most recent comments about "not wanting to get hurt" when blocking. Tomlin, via Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, wants his young wideout to be more professional when addressing the media, particularly when things aren't going well.

"I'm just acknowledging it's a process and our posture based on present circumstances won't change. We're coming to work every day in that regard. Part of it is education. I want him to understand that. When you're winning and doing your job, the attention is on that. When you're not doing your job and losing, you better keep your **** mouth shut and understand that attracts a certain type of attention. That's vulture-like attention."

There's been some speculation on Pickens' status against the Cincinnati Bengals this upcoming weekend. However, Tomlin made it clear that Pickens will indeed play in Week 16, albeit it could come in a more limited role. The Steelers coach acknowledged that the 22-year-old still has a lot of growing to do, but benching him doesn't help that. He also mentioned the team's commitment to the guys they have drafted, particularly helping them grow as humans.

Additionally, Tomlin admitted that the team simply needs his talents on the field in Week 16. That can't be argued, as he's the team's most talented wideout. For an offense that continues to struggle, taking away arguably your best playmaker in a must-win contest doesn't exactly help. On the flip side, the argument will be made that there needs to be discipline for Pickens' actions as of late. 

Should The Steelers Have Benched Pickens In Week 16?

Pickens has shown minimal effort on several occasions, which has led to multiple talks with the head coach. Tomlin did tell the media that whatever discipline was given to Pickens would not be disclosed to the media. It's been an up-and-down sophomore campaign for Pickens, who has some of the highest upside of any wideout in the NFL. On the season, he has 52 catches for 814 yards and three touchdowns in 14 contests.

Pickens has already surpassed his yardage total from his 2022 rookie campaign. Still, it's been a rough past two months for him. He hasn't had a 100-yard contest since Week 7, and he's been held without a touchdown since Week 8. It's led to obvious frustration from the University of Georgia product, as the struggling offense has hindered his production. 

We'll see how he comes out and plays in Week 16, but this should definitely be a wakeup call. Tomlin said that he has regular talks with Pickens, which has included two of them now in the past week. There's a chance that quarterback Kenny Pickett returns on Saturday, which would help Pickens' production in the receiving game. If things don't go well once again though, it will be interesting to see how Pickens responds to it. 

What were your thoughts on Tomlin's overall comments of Pickens on Wednesday? Do you agree with the decision to still play him in Week 16? Are you confident that the disgruntled stud wideout can turn things around in the near-future? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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