The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in an offensive showdown to take control of the AFC North in Week 13. With that win and the Baltimore Ravens losing on that same day, Pittsburgh took a 1.5 game lead in the division. That 44-38 did not come easily, especially in the first half. The Steelers and Bengals traded blows all throughout the game, with the first blow coming from Cincinnati, as Cam Taylor-Britt scored on a 51-yard interception return. The Steelers rebounded appropriately, and that is why they got the win in the end.
After the pick-six, however, George Pickens was not happy with the circumstances. He is known for letting his emotions get the best of him, and he was clearly frustrated. The illegal hands to the face non-call was questionable at best, but the Bengals still had a 7-0 lead after that play. Head Coach Mike Tomlin had to grab him on the sideline to keep him focused.
During the first episode of Hard Knocks: In Season With The AFC North, Tomlin's message to Pickens was caught on the hot mic.
"Hey bro, [the pick-six] can't define us today," Tomlin stated to Pickens. "I need you to stay with me. This sh** ain't going to decide the outcome of the game. Don't let it decide the outcome of the game. Look at me! You alright? Alright, let's go."
Even with all the issues that came from that one play, there was still over 56 minutes left in the game. The Steelers are no strangers to making up for their own mistakes, especially in divisional play. This was no different, and Pittsburgh made sure to not only punch back, but to show they have full faith in Pickens.
On the very next drive, the Steelers marched right down the field and capped it off with a quick screen to Pickens, who ran it in for a 17-yard touchdown to tie the game at seven. Tomlin previously mentioned that he needed everyone to contribute to that game, and that's exactly what happened, including with Pickens.
Pickens led the team in receiving yards with 74, despite only having three receptions. Although he has his struggles and attitude issues, he is still one of the most reliable receivers in the league when he is on the field. Sometimes, he needs a little pep talk to keep his emotions in check, and that's exactly what he got.
Steelers And Pickens Still Get In Trouble
On two different occasions, Pickens got flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. The first one was for taunting the opponent, which was just a dumb move on his part. The other one was for the "finger gun" celebration after a first down, which the league has been cracking down on. Even if the celebration is judged differently, he should probably find something else to do after a big play.
Either way, the one thing that Tomlin always gets praised for is his ability to relate to the players and get them to buy in to whatever message that he tries to send. When Pickens needed it most, Tomlin was right there to get in his hear and tell him exactly what he needed to know, and it helped secure they divisional win.
If Tomlin can keep Pickens' emotions in check throughout the rest of the season, the offense should continue to thrive like they have been for most of Russell Wilson's starts. With the lack of wide receiver depth, the Steelers need their freak athlete of a receiver. The best thing that Pickens can do for this team is not get in trouble and make sure he stays on the field.
