Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver, George Pickens got into it with all of the Cleveland Browns' secondary during their Week 12 matchup. After the Steelers' 24-19 loss to the Browns, Pickens spoke out with some loaded comments, calling the Browns a bad football team. His frustration was palpable as he aired his grievances, claiming that the Browns were not a legitimate threat on the field despite the win. Pickens' outspoken nature added fuel to the already fiery rivalry between the two teams.
On the final play of the game, Pickens and Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II were engaged in a heated confrontation instead of focusing on the last play. The tension between the two escalated, with both players clearly having little respect for each other by the time the clock hit zero. This on-field animosity has clearly boiled over into the media, as the aftermath of the game continued to be filled with bitter exchanges.
On Friday, Newsome decided to speak out about Pickens, calling him out for his behavior. In a fiery response, Newsome issued some big-time shots at Pickens, accusing him of being selfish and not showing the maturity expected of a professional. The Browns cornerback's comments only deepened the divide between the two players, adding even more drama to an already intense rivalry.
"Yeah, it is pretty easy man," Newsome said in regards to staying focused. "We say it all the time in our room, smart, tough, accountable, resilient team. I am all about the team. He is a guy who cares more about himself and you can see that in the penalties that he causes. For me, my job is to try to do whatever I can do to help the team win. There is never gonna be no one-on-one battle for me."
Newsome must have been watching the Steelers’ Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, as he pointed out the two 15-yard penalties that Pickens received. While those flags certainly hurt the Steelers, it doesn’t entirely support the narrative Newsome seems to be pushing.
Despite this, Newsome continued to talk down about Pickens, reiterating to the Cleveland media that he’s not motivated by anything the Steelers wide receiver does. His comments further emphasize the growing tension and rivalry between the two players.
"Nah, like I said he does that type of stuff all the time," Newsome said. "There will never be a man that can fuel me in any type of way so definitely not."
This game is shaping up to be must-watch TV as Pickens and Newsome square off once again. Steelers fans are hopeful that Pickens will stay composed and avoid letting Newsome or any of the Browns' defensive backs get into his head.
Pickens is incredibly talented, and the only way he won’t have a big game is if he allows the Browns' comments to throw him off mentally.
Steelers' George Pickens Looking For The Last Laugh Sunday
While Newsome has played the innocent card, claiming Pickens is a selfish player, it’s clear that Newsome’s actions were just as much, if not more, to blame for the altercations during the game. After the game, Newsome called Pickens a "fake tough guy," but he can act innocent all he wants—he’s just as responsible for the animosity between the two players.
Pickens will be crucial to the Steelers’ success if they want to make a statement at home against a struggling Browns team. Steeler Nation is eager to see Pickens get the last laugh on the field this Sunday and prove his worth beyond the drama.
