Stephen A. Smith ‘Worried’ for Steelers After George Pickens’ Controversial Reaction to Russell Wilson Claim

Pittsburgh Steelers are going through a rough patch just on the eve of entering the postseason. Losing three games in a row has turned their season upside down, with concerns of an early exit from the playoffs. But before they could even think about the postseason, tensions are at an all-time high in Pittsburgh. Their star receiver George Pickens’ reaction after the Steelers’ loss on Christmas Eve could sum up their recent frustrations.Watching back Pickens’ fiery interview with Steelers reporter Alan Saunders on First Take, Steven A. Smith was a bit shocked with Pickens’ reaction, “I’m a bit worried because again, if Russell Wilson says what he says. I don’t think it’s a reason for George Pickens to react that way. The fact that he reacts that way. And he doesn’t hide his petulance. I don’t think it serves the Steelers well, in my humble opinion.” Pickens’ reaction came on the back of Wilson, not even blaming the wide receiver for his possible part in the veteran QB’s interception.

During a play in the first quarter, Russ threw an interception while trying to find

Pat Freiermuth in the end zone. But the thing that caught everyone’s eye was Pickens changing his route in the final second. His doing so made it easier for Chiefs safety, Justin Reid, to leap over and make the interception. Now, the Steelers QB post-game didn’t really call out Pickens; instead, he took the blame on himself, “Yeah, you know. I thought he was going to go vertical. But at the end of the day, it can’t happen. That’s on me. I was trying to give Pat a chance. He had done such a good job for us down in the red zone, and they made a good play.”

It was Wilson’s second interception in the past four games. The nine-time Pro Bowler once used to play with an average QBR of 104.6 in his first six starts. However, that rating has gone down to 88.5, with the

Steelers losing their last 3 games. While there has been a possible dip in Wilson’s productions, he has never really blamed his teammates for any of it. However, Alan Saunders’ question to Pickens about his lack of communication with Wilson, was the tipping point of this drama.

George Pickens’ heated reaction to Russell Wilson’s Christmas Eve interception claim

Nothing is going right for the Steelers at the moment. The team that was supposed to wrap up the AFC North title weeks ago has relinquished that position to Baltimore. Things went from bad to worse after their home defeat to the Chiefs, where Russell Wilson’s early interception dealt them a knocking blow. Besides, Wilson’s head-scratching throw to his TE Pat Freiermuth, who was triple covered in the end zone. George Pickens’ failure to run proper route was pointed out by Steelers reporter Alan Saunders: “It seemed like you and Russ weren’t on the same page in that interception against the Chiefs. How does that happen, and what do you guys do to address it?”

Pickens, who was coming off a hamstring injury that led to him missing the Steelers’ last 3 games, didn’t like how the question was framed. “You said me and Russell wasn’t on the same page?” Pickens replied in a confusing tone. Then Saunders clarified, “Yeah, well, that’s what he said.” Pickens again asked, “That’s what he said? Or is that what you said?” Saunders again added, “That’s what he said.” This was probably the tipping point for Pickens, who replied, “Oh, O.K.” 

And he just left the interview, pulling up his face mask without adding any further comments. As for the young receiver, he didn’t really have a great game coming back into the lineup. He only caught 3 catches on 7 targets for 50 yards. But he still remains on course to complete yet another 1000-yard receiving season. With 900 yards already to his name with one game left, Pickens could end his season on a high. And probably help the Steelers break their losing streak by getting a win on Sunday.

What better way to snap their 3 game slump than by stopping their divisional rivals, the Bengals, who continue to fight for the playoffs? Guess we will find out soon as Russell Wilson and Co. are trying to end their season on a positive note.