Steelers' George Pickens Gets Big Message Sent By Stephen A. Smith About Playing For Historic Franchise

The Pittsburgh Steelers snapped their five-game winning streak on Thursday night as the Cleveland Browns took advantage of a game-changing snow storm. The inclement weather in Cleveland didn't start affecting the AFC North battle until the second half, but nonetheless, the Browns were able to capitalize. One of the biggest headlines within the Steel City surrounds wide receiver George Pickens, who after the game told reporters that the Browns got lucky with the playing conditions. 

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receivers George Pickens (14) and Calvin Austin III (19) during Thursday Night Football against the Cleveland Browns in 2024.

Pickens finished the contest against Cleveland with four catches for 48 yards on seven targets, including a 31-yard reception early in the game. Once again, Pittsburgh's passing attack was non-threatening and held the offense back from scoring more points. Although quarterback Russell Wilson's stat sheet looks acceptable, that would only be thanks to a few deep connections to multiple different receivers. Wilson was sacked four times and the offense only averaged three and a half yards per carry. Pittsburgh also couldn't find the end zone until the fourth quarter, when the weather reached its worst. 

It was an extremely frustrating night for Pickens, who was visibly unhappy with the officiating. On multiple plays, it seemed that Pickens was being held or interfered with by Cleveland's defenders, but the officials were giving no calls to Pittsburgh's offense. After the loss, Pickens claimed that the Browns aren't a good football team and that they were lucky it snowed as much as it did. On Friday morning, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith wanted to send a transparent message to Pittsburgh's stud wideout about his postgame comments.

"You're a Pittsburgh Steeler. I've never heard a Pittsburgh Steeler in my life complain about inclement weather," Smith said on First Take. "Here's the problem if you're Pickens and this is what I want him to hear if he's watching First Take, which we know he is. If you get to the playoffs, and you're the road team, the likelihood is you're going to run into Buffalo or Kansas City. Well, what the h*ll do you think the weather is going to be like there?"

Pickens' comments were a huge topic of discussion on ESPN's show Friday morning, and multiple former players like Ryan Clark and Cam Newton also had interesting thoughts. Clark, a former safety for the Steelers, told members of the show that Pickens is indeed correct for thinking that the Browns can't compete with the Steelers under typical circumstances. However, Clark followed that by saying it's still an excuse and the team won't go far in the playoffs if they continue to lose to inferior teams. 

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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sideline as snow pours down during a 2024 Thursday Night Football contest against the Browns in Cleveland, OH.

When it became Newton's turn to give his thoughts, he explained why Pickens' attitude is actually beneficial to teams in the NFL, as opposed to most thinking it's becoming a big problem.

"I look at a situation like George Pickens and I say to myself, 'He's a crash out. We love him. He's the dog on the team. Is he fake tough? No he's a dog, official dog,'" Newton said. "Now, when I look at the health of a healthy team, there a certain things you need. You need guys like George Pickens. They're the quote on quote very talented, rebellious guys that gives you that grit. So, the thing about that is, you can't have too many George Pickens on your team, because it's gonna make it undisciplined. So, you can't say, 'Do you have an issue with this,' when he is who he is."

Mike Tomlin has had his fair share of wide receivers with big personalities. Newton explains that Pittsburgh's head coach knows how to deal with situations such as this, and is able to manage his players' big personalities. 

Steelers' George Pickens celebrates during a game against the Washington Commanders in 2024.

Pickens is having a much better season since Wilson has been under center, but the offense has severely struggled the past two weeks. In order to get through their tough remaining schedule ahead of the playoffs, this offense is going to have to get back to scoring touchdowns. Until the fourth quarter Thursday night, Pittsburgh had gone seven consecutive quarters without crossing the goal line. 

Steelers Need To Involve More Weapons On Offense

Another big topic of discussion on First Take was the concern about the involvement of Mike Williams, who Pittsburgh traded for just before the 2024 trade deadline. Williams, who caught a big touchdown pass three games ago against the Washington Commanders, has not received a single target in two games since. Williams has had no role in Pittsburgh's offense so far, and it's beginning to become a serious concern. The Steelers' most glaring issue on the roster was the depth at receiver behind Pickens, and many thought Williams could help bring some fire-power to the offense. That has not been the case so far. 

What are your thoughts on Smith's message to Pickens? What does Pittsburgh need to do to get the offense going again?