Steelers' Mike Tomlin Provides Clarity On How He Disciplines George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very talented young receiver in George Pickens. Since his playing days at the University of Georgia, Pickens has shown off his freakish athletic skills. He is one of the best at making contested catches, contorting his body, and toe-tapping the sideline or end zone. Pickens is eager to show off his talent and use his skills to contribute to the offense. However, another side of Pickens keeps rearing its ugly head; it's a side of him that is not flattering. 

Even at Georgia, Pickens was criticized for being immature. He was called a diva who acts without thinking, including spraying water on an opponent during a game. However, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has a knack for wide receivers. The fact that Tomlin was able to work magic with and contain Antonio Brown speaks volumes about his abilities. 

Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Pickens has been a polarizing figure. He has often seemed frustrated over his lack of targets, but that isn't all that surprising. Doesn't every wide receiver think they should get the ball more? What has really worked against him is the negativity. He's been seen throwing temper tantrums on the sidelines, pouting, throwing his helmet, and complaining. During the 2023 season, many chalked his apathetic demeanor up to the bad influence of Diontae Johnson, but Johnson is gone, and Pickens is acting up again. After things came to a head against the Dallas Cowboys, Tomlin was asked during his weekly press conference if Pickens' behavior is better now than it used to be. 

"He's certainly gotten better, yes," indicated Tomlin.

Pickens' frustration during the Cowboys game was obvious, although the reasons are unclear. Tomlin greatly reduced his snaps for that game, claiming it had to do with "load management." That is a bizarre excuse for a 23-year-old, third-year player who is the only elite receiver on the roster. The aggravation was evident when Pickens arrived with "always f***ing open" on his EyeBlack paint. There was also talk that his teammates physically moved away from him on the sidelines. Then Pickens shockingly ripped the helmet off a Dallas defender near the end of the game. 

When pressed for an answer about his awareness of Pickens' behavior, Tomlin said he wasn't aware of the situation regarding the EyeBlack message, but indicated they deal with all issues privately. 

"Certainly there are things I am hoping to address and will address. I just don't detail in settings like this because it's business between he and I in terms of his growth and development as a player and as a man. I just don't think it aids that growth and development to do it in an open setting such as this. Regarding his behavior, I am aware of that and obviously that has been and will continue to be addressed. I wasn't aware of the messaging, so I'm just giving you a knee-jerk response to that."

Tomlin has always been the kind of coach who deals with discipline privately, which is probably a factor in why his players love and respect him so much. The Steelers head out West to face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6, and it feels like they need to get Pickens tuned back into the team and contributing. 

Steelers' George Pickens Seemed Shut Down

Pickens only had three catches for 26 yards against the Cowboys, but he was just a cog in the wheel of a largely disappointing offense. The defense won the turnover battle, but the offense couldn't capitalize. 

After the game, videos flooded social media showing Pickens not giving his all on the field, including questionable blocking for his teammates. This has come up in the past, and tight end Pat Freiermuth, a very willing blocker, was fed up and seemed to take a shot at Pickens. 

While some have suggested that Pickens has shown marked improvement since new receivers coach Zach Azzanni arrived, the Week 5 game felt like a major setback. Being the top receiver, Pickens matters for more than just catches; he is supposed to be stepping into a leadership role on the team. 

What do you think about Pickens' maturity level this year? Click to comment below.

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