Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver, George Pickens is never afraid to crash out. After the Steelers' 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Pickens sent out some controversial statements, calling the Browns a bad football team. He blamed the weather for the Browns' win, essentially handing them unlimited bulletin board material for their Week 14 rematch. On Friday, Pickens addressed the media to elaborate on his bold comments.
ESPN
Steelers' George Pickens takes his helmet off during loss to the Browns in Week 12 of the 2024 season.
When asked if his remarks might motivate the Browns, Pickens didn’t backpedal. Instead, he doubled down, pointing to Cleveland's record as evidence that they’re not a strong team. His blunt assessment left no room for interpretation, setting the stage for an intense rematch on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
After losing at Cleveland on TNF, George Pickens said the Browns “aren’t a good team at all.”
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 6, 2024
Asked if stands by that today, Pickens said, “I just go by the record.” pic.twitter.com/kEjN1brsBx
Pickens’ comments have already sparked debate across the NFL, with many wondering if his candor will come back to haunt the Steelers. While some fans appreciate his confidence, others fear his words may fuel a revenge-fueled Browns team in Week 14. Regardless, one thing is certain Pickens has ensured that the Steelers-Browns rivalry is more heated than ever.
"I just go by the record," Pickens said. "I don’t know what motivates them. I am just focused on what we can do."
The Browns' secondary has responded to Pickens' comments, with safety Grant Delpit criticizing him and suggesting that Pickens should stick to being what he is, "bad." The rivalry between the Steelers and Browns is clearly intensifying, and the animosity between Pickens and Cleveland will be front and center this Sunday.
Joshua Gunter / Cleveland.com
Steelers' George Pickens fighting with Greg Newsome II after a loss to the Cleveland Browns in 2024.
Pickens was asked if the Browns' 3-9 record makes them a more dangerous team, and his response was firm. With the tension mounting on both sides, this matchup is shaping up to be one of the most heated games of the season.
"Like I said, I am not focused on them," Pickens emphasized. I am more focused on what the Steelers are doing."
Pickens ended the game against the Browns in brutal fashion. Instead of being involved in the final drive to score, Pickens was on the sidelines, engaged in a heated altercation with cornerback Greg Newsome II. While the Browns blamed Pickens for the fight, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin pointed the finger at Newsome.
Steelers' George Pickens Must Stay Focused Against The Browns
One thing is certain—these two players don’t like each other, and both will do whatever it takes to get inside the other's head. Pickens has a history of letting his competitive edge and emotions get the best of him, and the Browns' secondary will likely target that, hoping to throw him off his game early in the matchup.
Pickens is coming off a solid performance against the Bengals, with three catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. However, his two 15-yard penalties stole the spotlight from his playmaking.
Matt Freed / Post-Gazette
Steelers' George Pickens makes a great one-handed catch against the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
For Pickens to thrive against the Browns, he’ll need to keep his cool and avoid mistakes that hurt his team. As one of the league’s top wide receivers, Pickens needs to balance his fiery competitiveness with discipline, both on the field and in the media. Tomlin’s recent comments reflect the need for that maturity, and Steeler Nation is hoping to see a dominant performance from Pickens this Sunday.
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