The Dallas Cowboys may have only narrowly defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the aftermath of their 20-17 win has left ripples in Steel City—and no one has felt it more than Pittsburgh’s young receiver George Pickens. In a game marked by heated exchanges, Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis seized the opportunity to taunt Pickens after Pittsburgh’s underwhelming offensive performance. With 150 receiving yards as a team compared to the Cowboys’ haul of over 300 yards, the Steelers left the field with more questions than answers, and Pickens bore the brunt of it.
It all began with a sideline spat between Lewis and Pickens. After snagging the ball, Lewis had some choice words for Pickens, and the Steelers receiver, visibly frustrated, reacted by snatching the mouthpiece from Lewis’s face. The tension escalated when Lewis, after the game, was caught on camera mocking Pickens, saying, “Pittsburgh need a receiver. George Pickens weak.” For Pickens, who has been the most targeted receiver on the Steelers, the critique only underscored a frustrating night in which he caught just 3 of 7 passes for 26 yards with no touchdowns.
Fans in Pittsburgh were quick to express their disappointment, with many calling for Pickens to be traded. On social media, one fan vented, “I want George Pickens off the team. I’d trade him for a bag of peanuts,” while another quipped about wanting Russell Wilson as QB, saying, “Trade Pickens PLEASE.” The frustration has brewed over time, as Pickens, despite leading the Steelers’ receiving corps, ranks just 18th in the league for his 20 receptions over five games, without a single touchdown this season. His only standout game was a 90-yard performance in a 27-24 loss to the Colts.
But the fans’ discontent didn’t stop at Pickens. As they pointed out, the Steelers’ receiving corps struggled as a whole, tallying just two touchdowns despite 26 targets and only 16 completions. The rushing game offered little relief, with just 92 yards and no rushing TDs—a grim stat line for a team once known for its powerhouse offense. One fan suggested, “Forget trading for Davante Adams, they can trade George Pickens away and start over,” while another bluntly called the Steelers “F—-ng clowns.”
GEORGE PICKENS JUST DRAGGED JOURDAN LEWIS TO THE GROUND AT THE END OF THE GAME 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0md4w8cRhb
— Sideline Daily (@sideline_daily) October 7, 2024
While the loss and the criticism have intensified the spotlight on Pickens, head coach Mike Tomlin will undoubtedly face questions about the team’s struggles, with his signature candor expected in the upcoming press conference. As the Steelers seek answers, their fans are left wondering whether roster adjustments or strategic shifts will be enough to turn things around. Until then, the Pittsburgh faithful await with a mix of frustration and hope, contemplating the future of Pickens and the team’s offensive approach.
