The Pittsburgh Steelers' 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 was much needed. With the victory, the Steelers improved to 9-3, and thanks to the Baltimore Ravens' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh gained another crucial game in the division. This win was vital as the Steelers continue to push toward the playoffs, keeping their momentum strong in the tight AFC North race.
The Steelers have had an exciting season, but star wide receiver George Pickens has certainly made headlines for both the right and wrong reasons. Pickens' on-field antics have caught attention, with some moments standing out for their flair and others for their controversy. In the win over the Bengals, Pickens caught a deep ball from Russell Wilson and pointed for a first down, but the referees misinterpreted the gesture, flagging him 15 yards for unsportsmanlike conduct, thinking he was mimicking the action of shooting a gun.
Earlier in the game, Pickens also tossed the ball at a Bengals player after a catch, leading to another 15-yard penalty for taunting. As the game unfolded, former Steelers stars Ben Roethlisberger and James Harrison were live-streaming the action and shared their frustration over Pickens' antics. Both were vocal about their displeasure with the penalties, especially considering the team's focus on staying disciplined during such a critical stretch of the season.
"I mean I feel like this is every week with him," Roethlisberger said. "There’s something. He is so good and he helps you so much, but this is not helping the team. He’s ok with it, but I am not ok with it."
Roethlisberger acknowledged that while Pickens possesses incredible talent, there's always an underlying tension, as they’re constantly on edge, wondering what he might do after a big play.
Harrison chimed in, offering his perspective on the situation, sharing his thoughts on how he views Pickens' taunting and its impact on the team.
"I’m not ok with it because you can celebrate with your team," Harrison said. "They seen what you did, they know what you did. Turn to your teammates you can say everything you wanna say this way and they will hear it."
Harrison stated that it’s not his responsibility to handle Pickens' behavior, leaving that to the offensive players.
Roethlisberger, on the other hand, discussed the challenges of managing a star like Pickens—someone with an intense competitive drive—while trying to keep him in control.
"The hard part is like in the moment you wanna say something, but you don’t have time, so you gotta do it on the sideline," Roethlisberger said. "If the player can’t handle it, then you gotta wait until after the game."
Wilson spoke out once again in support of Pickens, emphasizing that he made a point to stay in communication with him throughout the game to help keep his focus. Despite the distractions, Pickens delivered in a big way, scoring a touchdown, catching three passes for 74 yards, and playing a key role in opening up the offense.
Steelers' George Pickens Called Out By Mike Tomlin To "Grow Up In A Hurry"
The issue, however, is that Pickens often seems to prioritize his individual celebrations over the team’s success, putting himself at risk of penalties. After his touchdown, he punted the football into the stands, an act that only added to the growing concerns.
For the Steelers, this constant worry over Pickens’ behavior raises questions about his future in Pittsburgh, especially if he doesn't mature. Many believe his potential second contract with the team could be in jeopardy if these issues persist.
Fans have debated on social media whether Pickens should have been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after signaling for a first down. While that call is open for discussion, there’s little room to argue against the taunting penalty. Pickens needs to learn quickly and mature if he hopes to secure a long-term future with the Steelers.
