Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Seattle Seahawks
PITTSBURGH — It was an up and down season for Steelers wide receiver George Pickens.
Despite playing on an anemic Steelers offense the 2023 second-round pick showed flashes of excellence. But they were diminished by off the field antics.
Pickens, who’s met with reporters after the Steelers 31-17 Wild Card loss at the hands of the Buffalo Bills, didn’t mince words when speaking about the officials.
“To be honest I’m still stuck on this game right now with the refs,” the disgruntled pass catcher said. “That’s the only thing that’s on my mind. … You’re not gonna win a game when you play the refs and the Buffalo Bills. That’s really I feel like happened to us today, to be honest.”
Pickens comments were in reference to an egregious call on linebacker Myles Jack, after he was called for holding, on an uncatchable pass from Josh Allen. The yards gained on the flag jumpstarted the Bills — and led to a touchdown that pushed Buffalo’s lead to 14.
The Steelers wide receiver was visibly upset on the sideline during the game, and slammed his helmet on the ground late in the fourth quarter.
“If you win a game like this, people are going to think what they’re going to think, so it’ll probably change a few perceptions. But like I said before, you can’t play the Bills and the refs at the same time,” Pickens said, according to Sports Illustrated. “When you’re out there trying to make the plays you are personally and then they just take away calls. Throwing a clear pass over Myles Jack’s head. They called a PI — it’s not catchable. So just, politically, when guys go back and watch the game, watch the refs.”
The 22-year-old’s season was a roller coaster ride, but he was a bright spot on an offense that largely struggled. Yet he has a point — NFL officiating has been atrocious and continues to dictate the outcome of games.
That said, with Mike Tomlin’s contract status up in the air, and uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position, changes seem imminent. And it’s certainly possible the team that grew frustrated with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Antonio Brown’s antics, could send Pickens packing
