The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a challenging stretch, having lost three consecutive games, including a tough defeat against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. In the midst of this turmoil, wide receiver George Pickens has come under fire, notably from NFL legend Terrell Owens.
George Pickens’ Return and Performance
After missing three games due to a hamstring injury, George Pickens made his much-anticipated return against the Chiefs. Fans and analysts alike expected him to make a significant impact on the field. However, his performance fell short of expectations as he recorded only three receptions for 50 yards, leading to criticism regarding his contribution during this critical point in the season.
Terrell Owens Weighs In
Among the voices calling out Pickens was Hall of Famer Terrell Owens. In response to comments made by Steelers’ defensive leader Cam Hayward, who stated, “When 10 guys do their job and one guy doesn’t, we are screwed,” Owens agreed, suggesting that this issue also plagues the offense. He specifically pointed to Pickens, tweeting, “Same on offense as well when you got #14 not running his routes causing [interceptions].”
Controversial Interception
One play that seemed to encapsulate Owens’ concerns occurred at the end of the first quarter. With the Chiefs ahead 13-0, veteran quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception in the end zone. Wilson took responsibility for the mistake but noted that Pickens was supposed to execute a different route. “Yeah, you know, I think he was going to go vertical. But, at the end of the day, it can’t happen. It’s on me,” Wilson explained. He added that he aimed to give tight end Pat Freiermuth a chance, acknowledging that the defense made a strong play.
Steelers’ Ongoing Struggles
The Steelers have been reeling, having lost three games in just 11 days. Head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the team’s performance, stating, “The bottom line is the junior varsity is not good enough. We’ve got to own that.” This candid assessment reflects the urgency for improvement as the Steelers look to regain their footing in the season.
As the Steelers navigate this difficult period, all eyes will be on George Pickens and his ability to rise to the occasion. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can turn the tide and help the team get back on track.
