PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – George Pickens social media account became a more read and discussed story than the Steelers win by Friday night. The team returned to the locker room on Monday seemingly no different internally than weeks prior.
Pickens posting ‘free me’ on social media on Friday and then scrubbing references about playing for the Steelers. The second-year receiver didn’t get a second foot in negating a touchdown on Thursday and had two catches for minus one yard. He was seen moping on the sidelines after Diontae Johnson caught the game-winning touchdown against the Titans and left the locker room before reporters were allowed in to ask him questions.
After combining for 237 yards and 21.5 yards-per-catch with a touchdown combined between the Ravens and Rams, against Jacksonville one catch, albeit for a touchdown, and the pair against Tennessee.
“The season can be a rollercoaster sometimes,” Robinson said Monday. “It’s one of those things where it’s never exactly where you want it. It’s not going to be easy. We’ve continually talked to him and communicated to him. He’s a significant player in this league and is going to attract a significant amount of attention from defenses trying to take him away.”
Robinson has seen the attention, his second year in the NFL in Jacksonville he led the league with 14 touchdowns, averaging 17.5 per catch and 1,400 yards. The next year, defenses paid more attention to him and his numbers dropped. When he talks to players it comes from a place of experience, but is Pickens listening?
“Continuing to talk to him and give him an understanding of that,” Robinson said. “I get it everyone wants to have numbers, but sometimes based on what defenses are doing… As receivers, you see across the league, you see it can be frustrating sometimes when you are not getting the ball. It’s staying locked in and staying aware of the big picture.”
Robinson said he hasn’t really been on social media for a couple of years. He said he might look a little in the offseason, but wants to stay focused and away from the very subject of this article. Comments like that are not prevalent in his world. Offensive lineman Dan Moore said the same thing.
“It’s the day-to-day that we have going on in this building,” Robinson said. “For us to be the team that we want to be. It’s a rollercoaster and sometimes some of the outside noise doesn’t make it easier or better. It’s about us communicating within this building. Us communicating as players and coaches as just one group.”
Listen live on 93.7 The Fan Tuesday at noon to hear what Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin says about the situation and probably more pressing matters like injuries and the offensive line.