CINCINNATI (93.7 The Fan) – George Pickens had three catches for 74 yards and the first touchdown of the game. It was more talk of his emotions after the game and what he did after the whistle.
Twice Pickens picked up unsportsmanlike penalties following a reception Sunday. The first time Pickens said he didn’t know what it was for, on the second, he said the refs had a misunderstanding of his intentions.
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“They said they got the gist wrong, thought it was something else,” Pickens said. “You can’t hurt the team. I never intended to hurt the team.”
Neither seemed overt, but were enough to draw flags and one shutdown a potential touchdown drive and instead the Steelers had to settle for a field goal.
After constantly defending him, head coach Mike Tomlin said following the 44-38 win.
“You just have to grow up, man,” Tomlin said. “It’s an emotional game. These divisional games are big. He has a target on his back because he’s George. He understands that, but he has to grow up. He has to grow up in a hurry.”
TV cameras caught Tomlin putting his arm around Pickens and talking to him for about 10 seconds after it looked like he was pushed down leading to a Pick 6 on the first Steelers series of the game. It was after that point where he picked up the penalties.
He also got advice from his former college teammate.
“I just told him because he’s such an emotional guy, you got to let him know, next play,” said tackle Broderick Jones. “You did that. It’s over with, next play. Go make another play. Be smart. No dumb (stuff).”
“We’ve been together for so long I feel like I know what makes him click and what doesn’t. I try to talk to him, stay in his ear and work from there.”
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Quarterback Russell Wilson said he talked to him as well, throughout the game. He was trying to keep his head clear and Wilson said he did a good job responding.
“The thing is, that he’s such a competitive player,” Wilson said following the 44-38 win. “He’s such a great talent and he has such a great work ethic. I think also, too, the passion for the game. Sometimes that takes over. Being able to balance it all, I thought he did a great job of responding.”
“You just have to understand when you’re one of the best receivers in the world, everybody’s going to have their eyes on you.”
Pickens said he hopes he doesn’t have a target on his back. He says he knows he’s one of the top receivers. He said he understands he can’t hurt the team. As these games get bigger and bigger teams are going to come after him.
Will he heed all of the advice?