The Pittsburgh Steelers Week 13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons improved their record to 5-7 on the season, leaving some optimism for a late playoff run. Despite the win, there were some clouds of negativity surrounding the team's playmakers. One of those involved rookie wideout, George Pickens, who was visibly frustrated with getting just two targets in the game.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO on Twitter)
After he has arguably taken over the team's No. 1 wide receiver role lately, the rookie caught just one pass for two yards. It wasn't due to him not getting open either, perhaps what made Pickens even more frustrated. As a result, there's been a lot of controversy surrounding the rookie slamming his helmet on the sidelines for not getting enough targets. In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin defended his stud wide receiver:
"I'd rather say, 'Woah' than 'Sick 'em.' I want a guy that wants to be a significant part of what it is that we do. Now the appropriate and professional, mature way to express that, we're growing and working on and we will continue," Tomlin said in his Tuesday press conference. "But that spirit, that competitive spirit, that guy that wants the ball, nah I want that guy. These guys know that they have to deliver. For a guy that wants to do that, I'm not going to make that a negative. No matter how silly I think the commentary is or people talking about him expressing frustrations and stuff and trying to make it a negative storyline. I laugh at that."
Good on Tomlin, a true leader of his team. That should shut down the noise (for now). Pickens' criticism perhaps continued due to the fact that he declined an interview request in the locker room after the victory. It's something to keep an eye on for future references, but for now, there shouldn't be anything to worry about, especially if Tomlin isn't worried. The rookie will mature and learn to deal with these situations better as he becomes more seasoned.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO on Twitter)
In his latest episode of his personal podcast Footbahlin, now-retired quarterback Ben Roethlisberger talked about Pickens. He thought that the two-yard throw to Pickens was specifically an attempt to make him happy. Roethlisberger is quite familiar with wide receivers who want the ball, most specifically Antonio Brown. It's just the way many wide receivers are, something quarterbacks and coaches have to deal with.
Like Tomlin said, you want your team's wideouts to want the ball. With the Steelers facing their division rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 14, look out for Pickens to have a bounce-back performance coming off his career-worst day in Week 13. It'll be the rookie's first game in this legendary rivalry, as the two sides will face off twice in the next month. Pickens has still had an impressive rookie season, with 37 catches for 512 yards and two touchdowns.
What were your thoughts on Pickens' obvious frustrations on the sideline? What are your thoughts on Tomlin's comments defending his rookie WR? Do you agree? Share your thoughts on this situation in the comment section below. Be sure to interact and comment on our social media sites!
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