It seems that every time adversity strikes the Pittsburgh Steelers , receiver George Pickens isn’t far from the carnage.
When the Steelers found themselves on their first multi-game losing streak of the season after losing to the Dallas Cowboys, it was Pickens’ penalties and apparent lapses in competitive toughness that had head coach Mike Tomlin answer tough questions in his postgame presser.
Tomlin was once again pressed on Pickens’ behavior when their five-game winning streak ended at the hands of the Cleveland Browns, but not before Pickens could take himself out of the game’s final play to fight an opposing defender.
Pittsburgh’s next losing streak began without Pickens. His talent is undeniable and an invaluable part of the offense, especially with Russell Wilson under center. The Steelers, without their top receiver, lost to both the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens.
Pickens returned on Christmas, providing optimism that Pittsburgh could hit its way out of the late-season slump with downfield shots and plays above the rim.
They lost to the Kansas City Chiefs, 29-10, in front of the home fans. Pickens’ presence marked the team’s third loss in a row, denting its chances at an AFC North title.
Pickens, once again, was at the center of the Steelers' struggles.
Defensive tackle Cam Heyward called out the defense after the loss, saying that if 10 guys do their job and one does not, Pittsburgh will struggle. Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens replied with the same principle on the other side of the ball.
“Same on offense as well when you got #14 not running his routes causing INTs,” Owens said.
The play Owens is referring to came when Chiefs safety Justin Reid intercepted Wilson in the end zone, ending a drive that threatened Kansas City’s 13-0 lead.
Reid began his assignment as the deep safety over the top of Pickens, but his lackadaisical route rendered him a non-factor instantaneously. Seeing that Pickens had no chance to beat the corner downfield, he sprinted to the middle of the end zone to take away the leverage tight end Pat Freiermuth had.
He was successful, and thanks to Pickens’ gaffe, the Steelers found themselves down multiple possessions, without the ball, to the best team in football. It was all the breathing room Kansas City needed.
For all the value Pickens provides as a boundary threat with rare ability at the catch point, this is not the first time his football character has come into question.
After Tomlin’s previous comments about growing up and the growing stakes of the season, Pickens is quickly emerging as the most concerning story of the Steelers’ season.
