The Pittsburgh Steelers may have found the organization’s next great wide receiver after selecting George Pickens out of the University of Georgia in the second round of last April’s NFL Draft. He hasn’t necessarily been overly dominant as he has hauled in 37 catches for 512 yards and two touchdowns. He has, however, made some spectacular catches that are leading many to believe he could be a playmaker in the league for a long time. The rookie plays with a lot of fire and passion and it showed on Sunday when he was visibly frustrated as quarterback, Kenny Pickett did not connect with him in the passing game aside from one instance.
During the fourth quarter of the team’s 19-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons, Pickens took his helmet off as he approached the bench and seemed to demand the ball. He was visibly upset that he was not involved in the Steelers’ offense up to that point in the game. He finished the matchup with just two targets that went for one catch and two yards. Veteran defensive lineman and team captain, Cameron Heyward stepped in on the sideline to confront the young wide receiver after his clear frustration.
Heyward recently released the newest episode of his Not Just Football podcast and discussed a little bit about what went on when he went to talk to Pickens. It was certainly more positive than negative.
“I honestly didn’t know what was going on, but I could just tell in his body language that he needed the pick me up,” Heyward said. “As a team captain, as a leader, I’m always gonna have my guys back. I said ‘George, this game’s gonna keep coming your way. One game, one play, one series, is not the end George. When it’s not looking your way, you look for other ways to be better.'”
Heyward acknowledged that getting the victory is what was most important for the team, but he also said that he appreciates and enjoys the heart that Pickens plays will when he takes the field every week.
“We got the W, that’s the main point. But, man we like George’s hunger. George is gonna be a heck of a player in this league for a very long time. When he’s able to mold that [passion] into his game and continue to keep growing, he’s gonna be a hell of a player,” Heyward said.
On the field confrontation is not necessarily new to Pickens. During his freshman year of college, he was ejected from a game after fighting Tre Swilling, a cornerback for Georgia Tech, in the corner of the end zone. He also was flagged in a game when he was a sophomore for deliberately squirting water at quarterback, Jarrett Guaratano, who was a member of the Tennessee Volunteers at the time.
There is no doubting how talented Pickens is and how great he can be. With that said, a rookie wide receiver showing that much emotion in a negative fashion could be detrimental to the team in the long run. No one should hold it against him as he will continue to mature and grow, but if it becomes a consistent part of game days then head coach, Mike Tomlin might have to have a serious conversation with the rookie.
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