Steelers' Mike Tomlin Sends A Strong Message To George Pickens After Bengals Game

The Pittsburgh Steelers bounced back with a big-time win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, securing a thrilling 44-38 victory. The game got off to a rocky start when quarterback Russell Wilson threw a pick-six, but the veteran signal-caller remained unfazed. Wilson showcased his resilience and outdueled Bengals star Joe Burrow, throwing for an impressive 414 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception. 

Wide receiver George Pickens found himself both praised and criticized during and after the game. Pickens was a key offensive weapon, hauling in several clutch receptions, but his two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties drew attention for all the wrong reasons. While the severity of the calls could be debated, it’s undeniable that Pickens has developed a troubling pattern of drawing flags. These mental errors have hurt the Steelers in crucial moments, and they have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.

After the game, Head Coach Mike Tomlin addressed the issue directly, sending a strong and pointed message to Pickens in his postgame press conference. Tomlin emphasized the importance of discipline and accountability, making it clear that such penalties are unacceptable for a team striving for postseason success. 

While he expressed confidence in Pickens’ talent and potential, Tomlin also made it clear that changes in behavior are necessary for the young wide receiver to maximize his impact on the field.

"You know he just has to grow up man," Tomlin said when speaking about Pickens. "He's got a target on his back because he’s George, but he has to grow up. He has to grow up in a hurry."

The first penalty came when Pickens dropped the football on a Bengals defensive back after making a catch, drawing a taunting flag. In a heated rivalry game, emotions often run high, and players exchange words that can get under each other’s skin. Pickens, known for getting into frequent battles with defensive backs, let his emotions boil over, costing the Steelers 15 yards. Despite the setback, Pittsburgh managed to recover and scored a touchdown on the drive, tying the game at 14-14.

Later in the game, Pickens made an impressive 36-yard catch on a deep ball from Wilson, but he was again flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. The officials claimed Pickens made a pistol gesture with his hand, though some fans on social media argued he was simply signaling a first down. Regardless of the intent, Tomlin wasn’t giving him the benefit of the doubt. 

The drive ultimately ended with a blocked 42-yard field goal attempt by Chris Boswell, with Pickens’ mistake contributing to the team missing out on critical points and field position.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Makes Sure To Hold George Pickens Accountable

There’s plenty of room for debate about the two controversial calls, and Pickens’ frustration was understandable after the pick-six by Wilson—especially since it came after Pickens was thrown to the ground. However, in these heated rivalry games, Tomlin is challenging his 23-year-old wide receiver to step up, lead, and make smarter decisions, particularly after making big plays.

Pickens is undeniably a phenomenal talent, but he has struggled at times to stay composed, avoiding actions that could draw flags and hurt the team with costly mistakes. Despite these issues, Pickens is still young, and Tomlin took the opportunity to address him during the game. Calling him out publicly is a way of holding his players accountable and could be instrumental in Pickens’ long-term growth as a key contributor to the Steelers.

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