The Pittsburgh Steelers have been experiencing a late-season slide after losing three games in a row. The team has gone from 10-3 and being called possible Super Bowl contenders to 10-6 and being called frauds. Steelers fans are outraged, feeling duped, and worried that this season is the same old thing — the team likely will once again be one and done in the playoffs under Head Coach Mike Tomlin. That has them pointing fingers at nearly everyone on the team, including wide receiver George Pickens.
Pickens is the only receiver of substance on the team since they failed to secure a strong number two. One contributing factor to the losses against the Philadelphia Eagles and the Baltimore Ravens was that he was out with a hamstring injury. While Pickens has always been a polarizing figure in the Steel City, fans were thrilled he was back healthy. However, he is back on the hot seat after he got hemmed up near the line of scrimmage, and quarterback Russell Wilson ended up throwing an interception that Chiefs safety Justin Reid caught.
While the interception was credited to Wilson, many felt that if Pickens had been running his proper route, Reid wouldn't have been in a place to make the catch. Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky said on X that he liked the play call from Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. However, he wasn't a fan of having Wilson throwing to the middle of the field. He said if the ball had been snapped from the right hash, he would have had more space. Reid responded to Orlovsky in his own tweet that he did not agree, saying it wouldn't have mattered what Pickens did.
"Woulda been the same result," tweeted Reid. "You are correct that I was never concerned with backside WR to begin with."
From what Orlovsky said, he doesn't believe the blame lies with Pickens. Apparently, Wilson does. After the game, he indicated to the media that he expected Pickens to run a different route to help keep Reid out of the way. If Pickens had been where he was supposed to be, then Wilson could have gotten the ball off to someone else.
Many believed that Pickens gave up on his route. He has been accused of doing this before. In the loss to the Cleveland Browns, Pickens was fighting with Greg Newsome II in the back of the end zone instead of going up for Wilson's Hail Mary pass.
The Steelers had already secured a playoff loss and hoped to win those games for seeding purposes. However, they struggled against three of the best teams in the league, which is concerning for the caliber of team they will face in the postseason. They have a few extra days before the final game of the season to be able to work out any issues.
Steelers' George Pickens Keeps Raising Red Flags
Pickens is in his third season in the NFL and has always displayed some chaotic behaviors. He has been criticized for tantrums, pouting, fighting, taunting, and giving up on his routes. This has many questioning if the Steelers should work out a contract extension with him during the 2025 offseason.
The upside to Pickens is that he is an exceptional force on the field. He makes mind-blowing contested catches on a regular basis, bringing in balls that many others couldn't. No one disputes his talent, but his immature behavior is concerning.
After the Chiefs loss, players spoke up about teammates not doing their jobs. While many infer they are referring to a defensive player, they could also be frustrated with Pickens drawing flags and not doing his job.
