Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens continues to make headlines for both his explosive talent and his emotional outbursts. During Sunday’s 44-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, Pickens was flagged for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that could have jeopardized the team’s crucial win.
Pickens, known for his fiery demeanor, was called for taunting after a celebratory gesture and later penalized for pointing finger guns at the crowd. Although these actions did not lead to an ejection, they drew sharp criticism from head coach Mike Tomlin in the postgame press conference.
George Pickens Hit with Absurd Penalty During Crucial Game
Pickens’ emotional reactions spark concern
“He’s just got to grow up, man,” Tomlin said bluntly. “It’s an emotional game, and divisional matchups are intense. But he’s George, and he’s got a target on his back. He knows that, but he’s got to grow up-and quickly.”
This isn’t the first time Pickens‘ temperament has been a talking point. Last week, he was involved in a heated altercation with Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome during the final play of a close loss. While his talent on the field is undeniable, with three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown on Sunday, his actions have raised concerns about his ability to maintain composure in high-stakes situations.
Teammates step in to offer guidance
Pickens‘ emotional responses have not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Offensive tackle Broderick Jones revealed he spoke to Pickens after the first penalty, urging him to focus on the next play.
“I just told him, ‘You’re an emotional guy, but you’ve got to let it go. Next play, make it count. No dumb stuff,'” Jones shared.
While Jones‘ advice didn’t prevent a second penalty on Sunday, the Steelers hope that Pickens will channel his emotions more constructively in the future.
Steelers look ahead
Now sitting at 9-3, the Steelers lead the AFC North by 1.5 games over the Baltimore Ravens, who lost to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. As the playoff race heats up, Pittsburgh will need Pickens to not only deliver on the field but also play with discipline to avoid unnecessary risks.
With the postseason in sight, the Steelers and their young star must find a way to balance passion with poise because every play matters from here on out.
