Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has criticized wide receiver George Pickens. After the team defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 44-38 on Sunday.
Pickens led the team with three catches for 75 yards and a first quarter touchdown, however, Tomlin was unhappy with the penalties Pickens committed. The wide receiver had two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the game. Pittsburgh was charged with nine penalties for 103 yards.
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Mike Tomlin, head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, speaks after the team’s NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Dec. 1, Oct. 1, 2024, in Sin. Synati (AP Photo/Joshua A. Bickle)
“He’s just growing up, man,” Tomlin told reporters. Via ESPN– “This is an emotional game, friends. These group games are huge. He has a target on his back because he is George. He understands that. But he has to grow up. He has to grow up quickly.”
Pickens’ behavior has been under the microscope this season.
He battled Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsom II in a Thursday night matchup last month. He was also accused of being stripped of the playoffs earlier this season.
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George Pickens, number 14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers, responds after being accused of unsportsmanlike conduct during the second half of an NFL football game with the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday. Sunday, December 1, Oct. 1, 2024 in Cincinnati (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
last Sunday Pickens avoided being sent off for wasting his penalty. A flag came up when he did. ‘Violent gesture’ After first raising the flag, NFL officials believe he made the gun gesture that has been common across the league this season. Therefore a penalty was called. Pickens said the officer misinterpreted his hand signals.
The other penalty came when he threw the ball into a group of Bengals players in the first quarter.
Pickens said he didn’t need to do anything different.
“No, to be honest, like I said. I continued on my path. Play on,” he told reporters in part. He added that he was just happy the team came out on top. Regardless of the “check box”
Pickens has been a bright spot for the Steelers’ defense this season, as he has 55 catches for 850 yards and three touchdowns.
George Pickens, number 14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers, celebrates with running back Jaylen Warren, number 30, after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in The first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 1, Oct. 1, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
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The Steelers are 9-3 this season and atop the AFC North.
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