The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off of a big win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. This was a game where the offense looked the best it has all season, as the Steelers were firing on all cylinders through the running game and the passing game. Russell Wilson threw for over 400 yards and three touchdowns, while 10 different players for Pittsburgh caught a pass. One of those players was obviously George Pickens, but he had some trouble in this game keeping his emotions in check.
Jeff Dean / Associated Press
Steelers' George Pickens gestures towards Bengals fans during a 2024 victory.
The third-year wide receiver caught just three passes in the win over Cincinnati for 74 yards and a touchdown. He had a pretty decent game as he scored the first touchdown of the day for Pittsburgh and was noticeable as a blocker on multiple occasions, which has been an issue with Pickens in the past. The downfall of his performance was the penalties. The wide receiver received a taunting penalty in the first quarter which cost the offense 15 yards, and he then was called for Unsportsmanlike Conduct in the third quarter. This cost the offense another 15 yards, and Pittsburgh missed a field goal on that possession.
Head Coach Mike Tomlin had a stern message for Pickens after the game, telling the receiver to grow up, but he was not having it with more questions about Pickens during his press conference on Tuesday.
"I'm not going to give you any detail about what goes on behind the scenes in terms of his growth and development," Tomlin said. "You know that's my style and I'm going to be really consistent in it. Being transparent with you guys doesn't necessarily help or accelerate the growth process, and that's my agenda. Not necessarily feeding the beast."
Tomlin has always liked to keep most things behind closed doors, and is usually pretty stern and upfront with reporters and members of the media. Pickens has been a large topic of discussion in 2024, especially after his behavior over the last two weeks. Tomlin and his staff will certainly look to fix the issue, he just won't let anyone know about it.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' George Pickens hauls in a pass along the sideline in a win over the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2024 season.
Pickens has had a history of these kinds of issues, and the young wide receiver seemed to be apologetic for his penalties after the game. Pickens never wants to hurt the team, but his emotions certainly get away from him at times. Tomlin was once again asked about Pickens, specifically whether or not it is a concern to the organization.
"If it is or isn't, I wouldn't necessarily tell you to be quite honest with you," Tomlin explained.
Tomlin will clearly be handling Pickens behind the scenes, which may be difficult to do at this point in the season as the Steelers have the Hard Knocks cameras in the building until the end of the year.
Photo by Nick Cammett / Getty Images
Steelers' George Pickens celebrates with his teammates after a big time touchdown.
Steelers' George Pickens Needs To Mature
Pickens' maturity was a big question mark when he came into the league ahead of the 2022 season, and it is a bit concerning that he hasn't improved much in that area. Every time he takes a step forward, it seems there are two steps back. He got into a fight with the secondary of the Cleveland Browns on the final play of the game while Pittsburgh was trying to throw a Hail Mary last week, and it seems Pickens can't catch the ball without celebrating afterwards -- no matter how modest the gain is.
The wide receiver is a Steeler through the end of the 2025 season, and if he doesn't clean up his behavior on the field, he likely won't receive a second contract from the organization. He has proven that he has a ton of talent and could be one of the best wide receivers in the league, but that won't happen if he doesn't grow up.
What do you think about Tomlin firing back at the reporter when asked about Pickens? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
