The Pittsburgh Steelers now have George Pickens as another star around whom they can look to build a strong unit, thanks to their impressive wide receiver scouting abilities. He hasn’t had the best start to the season, unfortunately, as Mike Tomlin’s team hasn’t been able to make the most of him.
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George Pickens, a rookie receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was seen becoming irate on the sidelines during Sunday’s 19-16 victory over the Atlanta Falcons and yelling about not receiving more passes. Pickens was seen yelling at the coaching staff as he walked to the sideline. It was predictable that the rookie’s response would become a plot point early in the week.
#Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear that rookie George Pickens is the type of player his wants on his team.#HereWeGo #GoDawgs #SteelersNation #NFL pic.twitter.com/9jGnwRLJbM
— Black and Gold Nation (@B_GNation1) December 7, 2022
Pickens appeared to yell “Throw me the f—-ing ball” during the Steelers’ 19-16 victory in the fourth quarter. The defensive captain Cam Heyward and the wide receivers coach Frisman Jackson spoke with the 21-year-old. Pickens was only targeted twice, and he only had one catch for two yards in the entire game.
Mike Tomlin responds to George Pickens
On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media. However, when the argument with George Pickens came up, Tomlin laughed it off and also dismissed it.
Mike Tomlin on George Pickens’ frustrations: “I’d rather say whoa than sic ’em. I want a guy that wants to be a significant part of what it is we do … the mature way to express that, we’re working on. That competitive spirit of a guy that wants the ball, I want that guy.”
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 6, 2022
Mike further stated, “Instead of sic ’em, I’d rather say whoa. We’re working on a mature way to say that, but I want a guy who wants to contribute significantly to what it is that we do. I want a guy with that competitive spirit who wants the ball.”
Tomlin continued by mentioning defensive standout T.J. Watt as an example of how his players want to contribute as much as they can.
Tomlin remarked, “I imagine T.J. [Watt] wants to lay the quarterback down more. We now have rivals. Football on a professional level. These guys are aware that they must perform. And so, for a guy who wants to do that, I’m not going to paint that as a negative, despite how absurd I find the commentary or people trying to paint it as a negative plot point talking about him expressing frustrations and such. I find that funny.”
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