Steelers' Pat Freiermuth Appears To Take A Big Shot At George Pickens

When Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver George Pickens arrived at the game wearing eye black that read always open, many fans expected another standout primetime performance. However, the reality was far from it. Pickens was targeted seven times, but managed just three catches for 26 receiving yards.

Justin Fields struggled for much of the game, and the entire offense was disappointing, squandering several opportunities. Yet, the most frustrating aspect of the loss to the Dallas Cowboys was Pickens' attitude and effort. Concerns about his demeanor had surfaced during the 2023 season, and Steelers fans had hoped those issues were behind him.

On Sunday night, however, those concerns reappeared. Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth addressed the lack of targets for Pickens after the game, seemingly taking a subtle shot at the receiver without directly doing so.

"Yeah, I mean I trust the coaching staff and what they are doing. Everyone can bi*** and complain about getting less targets but it’s the stuff you do without the ball."

Several clips of Pickens have gone viral on social media, sparking debate over his effort on the field. Fair or not, the footage appears to show a lack of energy while running routes. 

When Pickens wasn’t getting the ball, his impact on the game was minimal. Freiermuth continued to talk about the situation.

"That’s what leaders do. That’s what good teammates do. I block my a** off regardless so the targets are going to find me. As long as I go out there and do my job you know whatever is asked of me to do. I’m going to do it the best I can."

Freiermuth is absolutely right—it's not just about what wide receivers or tight ends do when they get the ball, but how they contribute when they don't. 

Football teams can't win without a collective effort, and what frustrated fans most about the game against the Cowboys was the lack of that effort. Pickens, in particular, is bearing the brunt of the criticism.

Steelers' George Pickens Seemed To Be In Trouble

Surprisingly, Pickens ran far fewer routes and played less than usual, a puzzling decision. After the game, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about it and gave an odd response, insisting it wasn’t a punishment. He explained that he wanted to ensure Pickens was getting quality reps and not being overused—something that shouldn’t be a concern for a young wide receiver.

It's baffling, especially since the Steelers are already thin at wide receiver. Pickens is their most explosive offensive weapon, so keeping him off the field for most of the game is beyond strange. Some are speculating that he was being disciplined by the team, which might explain his lack of effort and visible frustration. Others believe it could simply be poor coaching, attempting to rest him.

Regardless, Pickens' lack of effort was disappointing. Videos showing him jogging through routes and not being a supportive teammate have surfaced. 

After the loss, he even grabbed a Cowboys player's facemask in a disrespectful manner, raising concerns among Steelers fans. The player taunted in his face but still, Pickens has to control his emotions. While it's far too early to give up on Pickens—he's undeniably talented—it's clear he still has some growing up to do if he wants to stay in Pittsburgh long term.

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