The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the most penalized teams so far in the NFL. They have had 19 penalties through two games that have cost them 138 yards. Mike Tomlin is hoping to fix that issue this week with officials working with the team as they prepare to host the Los Angeles Chargers. However, one of the Steelers' star players made an interesting jab at the officiating when it comes to the lack of scoring produced by the offense.
George Pickens, while speaking with media, was asked about the offense and if the "dam is about to break." He believes it already is, but penalties are holding them back. He explained that the team has to play a clean game, but he didn't shy away from taking a subtle shot at the referees.
"Penalties just can't happen. We have to play a clean game, but then again, also let the guys play on the field."
Pickens saw two massive plays wiped away last Sunday. The first was a 51-yard grab that would have set the Steelers up inside the 10-yard line, but was called back for holding on Broderick Jones. The second would have given Pittsburgh six points right before halftime, but flags were thrown for offensive pass interference on Van Jefferson. Pickens would end the day with just two catches for 29 yards, but if those two plays were not taken away, he would have had 89 yards on four catches with a touchdown.
The Denver game in Week 2 was not the first instance that the referees took away a big play from Pickens. He had another instance called back in Week 1 on a questionable offensive pass interference flag against him which took away 36 yards. His frustration with the officials can be understandable since he is in the process of earning a contract extension this offseason. Pickens is undoubtedly the Steelers' best current receiver, but an explosive third season could have positive indications on a second deal. He is currently the 32nd leading receiver in yards through two games, but if those three penalties were negated, he would be number two on that list with 206 yards into the season.
Pickens isn't the only player that has not been impressed with how the calls have been going against the Steelers. TJ Watt, after their win in Atlanta, took a jab at the officiating where he saw two of his big plays taken away due to flags -- one of which where he was called offsides, he revealed that the referee admitted to making a mistake on the call.
Pittsburgh hasn't been the only team in the division bombarded with penalties in 2024. The top three teams in the league in total flags are actually all from the AFC North. The Cleveland Browns lead the NFL with 24, the Steelers right behind them with 19, and the Baltimore Ravens with 18. The Steelers are the only team of these three that are still undefeated, giving them control.
Steelers Will Try To Not Let Penalties Keep Getting In Their Way
The Steelers will continue to find ways to keep the referees' flags in their pockets. Pickens will continue to keep playing his game and making the plays that the offense needs from him on a week to week basis. While his frustrations lie with the officials, he is happy with the direction that the offense is taking.
Pickens is finally the feature piece and his targets are proof of that. The Steelers have a big task ahead of them as their home opener is against another fellow undefeated AFC opponent. There will not be much room for mental mistakes as they try to make a statement win and keep that zero in the loss column.
Where do you see Pickens finishing among the top receivers in the league? Is his frustrations with the officiating valid or overdramatic? Let us know what you think in the comments.
