Steelers coach Mike Tomlin slams top receiver’s emotional displays a ‘problem’.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger could use a break from distractions as the team continues to struggle with an offensive breakdown that has been a major factor in the team’s three losses in its last four games. But the absence of answers has had a negative impact on the team’s overall performance as well as on the players on the team, particularly wideout George Pickens.
Steelers wide receiver T.J. Pickens has let his emotions get the better of him over the last few weeks, and it’s been enough to get coach Mike Tomlin’s attention.
On Monday, coach Mike Tomlin labeled Pickens’ emotional outbursts as a “problem” and asked him to find another way to express his frustration. “It’s a problem because it’s not a solution-based thing,” Tomlin said. “I know we’re all mad, but we need to handle our anger in a professional, grown-up way.” The Steelers, who are 26th in the NFL in total offense, haven’t scored more than 20 in a game in three weeks. Last Thursday, they lost 21-18 at the New England Patriots, with quarterback Mitchell Trubisky starting in Pickett’s place. The situation could get worse before it gets better. Pickett was ruled out for Saturday’s game at Indianapolis, which means Trubisky will start for the second time in as many weeks.
George Pickens’ emotions on display
George Pickens, a 20th-round draft pick out of Georgia in 2022, caught just five passes for 19 yards in the loss to the New England Patriots. Pickens was emotional on multiple occasions throughout the game.
Pickens was frustrated on the field as well as on the bench. On one play in particular, Pickens didn’t block at all, and it resulted in Tomlin having a run-in with the young receiver after he left the play.
Steelers OC Matt Canada was fired on November 21, just two days after the team lost to the AFC North cellar-dweller Cleveland Browns by a score of 13-10, continuing the team’s search for offensive cohesion.
Tomlin handed the play-calling reins to quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan, yet the move has failed to jump-start the Steelers’ attack. In the meantime, Pickens, who leads the team in receptions (49), targets (84), receiving yards (767) and TD catches (five), has gotten more agitated with each passing week.
While Pickens has three 100-yard receiving game this season, the last one came two months ago — on Oct. 8 against Baltimore.
Despite their recent struggles, the Steelers would still be the No. 6 seed in the AFC if their season ended today. After playing the Colts on Saturday, Pittsburgh finish the regular season with games against Cincinnati, Seattle and Baltimore.
How can Mike Tomlin fix the offense?
Getting Pickett back soon might help, but the second-year quarterback — ranked 27th in QB rating — was as much a part of the problem as he was the solution before he got hurt.
And there’s no telling how much more a talented, young player like Pickens might act out his frustrations if the Steelers’ offensive struggles linger and he’s unable to make explosive plays.
When asked on Monday if he would consider moving Mason Rudolph into the starting lineup, Tomlin declined to do so. Instead, he will continue to start Trubisky over Pickett until he’s healthy enough to play.
Mike Tomlin, in his 16th year as Pittsburgh’s head coach, must find answers within his inner circle or risk missing the playoffs for a second year in a row.
Pittsburgh hasn’t made the playoffs since 2016 and, while Tomlin has enjoyed unprecedented job security as just the third head coach the franchise has had since 1969, it doesn’t mean he isn’t vulnerable to being fired or traded to another NFL team.
