The Pittsburgh Steelers had so many issues popping up throughout their Week 18 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals. The defense had a rough first half full of miscommunications and questionable play-calling. Even when the defense bounced back in the fourth quarter and started making key stop after key stop, the offensive showing continued to be inefficient. George Pickens had three drops in the game. His final stat line was one reception for zero yards on six targets. He had more drops than yards and catches combined. That's not what you need from your star player in a big game.
During his post-game press conference, quarterback Russell Wilson was asked about his receiver. He came to his defense, saying he will be needed for the playoffs.
"I believe in George [Pickens]. Everything's not always perfect for everyone. This is an imperfect game. I believe in George. I believe in who he is, the player that he is. He's been a star for us all season, and he's going to be a difference maker, obviously, for us. I'm looking forward to that and what he can do."
Pickens has had his fair share of character concerns throughout his whole career, even before he was drafted. However, when you are known for pouting regularly, then drop pass after pass in a game that you need to win, it just paints a bad picture. He needs to refocus on doing the little things right and making the catches that the Steelers need him to.
That performance likely won't deter Wilson from connecting with his top receiver in practice and during the Wild Card game, even though part of that reason is because there is no depth behind Pickens at all. No matter how much that plays into a factor, expect Wilson to look for his star wideout on multiple "moonballs" in the playoffs.
Steelers May Have To Consider Divorce If Pickens' Antics Continue
Pickens is guaranteed to play in one more game with the Steelers. If his issues keep flaring up, whether they're during play or not, the Steelers may start taking calls on him. They would have some leverage due to him being young and a freak athlete, but how much would the behavior issues hurt his stock?
If that does happen, the Steelers need to put all their emphasis on reloading the receiver room for 2025, both in free agency and the draft. As mentioned before, there is no depth behind Pickens. Losing your only reliable receiver can be a problem, but if he is as unreliable as he was against the Bengals, along with his antics, Omar Khan's hand may be forced.
There will be options available to the Steelers throughout the offseason, but when a position becomes a drastic need, leverage goes down and prices go up. The Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson despite not having a clear-cut plan of replacing him. There is no reason to think it won't happen again.
The best-case scenario is that Pickens balls out in the playoffs and proves Wilson right for believing in him. Whether they win or lose, the star wideout will need a quiet, productive, antic-free week if he wants to stay in Pittsburgh for another year. He still has that chance to prove all the doubters wrong and show that he is a top five receiver that should wear the black and gold in 2025.
Wilson brought up the lack of big plays from Pickens as well, but shrugged it off and talked about his previous injury instead.
"'[Pickens] hasn't made plays in five weeks.' Well, he missed three of them," explained Wilson. "Last week didn't go our way... and then tonight obviously didn't go our way. I think that great players, sometimes, it doesn't go their way that day. You go to the ballpark, and it doesn't go their way, but if anyone believes in George, I do. I have no hesitation to throw the football to him."
Wilson explained how he will respond, but the question is still about Pickens. How will he handle this abysmal game? Will he rebound and ball out in the playoffs, or will he flame out and possibly leave the team via trade? The Wild Card game is very key for the young receiver and his future.
