George Pickens, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ second-year wide receiver, burst onto the NFL scene in 2022 with a dazzling display of talent, athleticism, and raw ability. After a standout career at Georgia, Pickens quickly became one of the most exciting young players on the Steelers’ roster. His incredible catches, competitive spirit, and ability to stretch the field earned him attention as one of the brightest stars in Pittsburgh’s offense.
But as the 2023 season progresses, a familiar narrative is beginning to re-emerge: Pickens is back to *behaving badly*. After a relatively quiet offseason, the dynamic wide receiver has once again found himself in the headlines for reasons that have nothing to do with his on-field accomplishments. His emotional outbursts, sideline antics, and questionable interactions with teammates have raised questions about his maturity and his role within the team. So, what’s going on with George Pickens? Let’s dive into his behavior, why it’s causing concern, and what the Steelers need to do to get him back on track.
### A Recap of Pickens’ Rise to Fame
George Pickens’ career started with high expectations. Coming out of Georgia, Pickens was viewed as one of the most talented wide receivers in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite suffering a torn ACL during the offseason prior to his final year at Georgia, Pickens showed he had the ability to be a game-changer, boasting a unique combination of size, speed, and ball skills. The Steelers saw a potential future star and selected him in the second round of the draft, 52nd overall.
In his rookie season, Pickens lived up to the hype, making a series of jaw-dropping catches and emerging as one of the few bright spots on an offense that struggled with consistency. His performances were often electrifying, and he quickly became a fan favorite. Pickens had the highlight-reel catches, the viral moments, and even a few instances where he looked like the most talented player on the field.
But beneath that raw talent, there were always hints of a fiery personality, one that could be as much of a blessing as a curse. His fiery competitive spirit was often visible on the sideline, where he occasionally seemed frustrated by his role in the offense. There were even moments where Pickens appeared to clash with quarterback Mitch Trubisky over the lack of targets, but nothing too alarming surfaced. All in all, his rookie year was filled with optimism for his future—until 2023 came around.
### The 2023 Season: A Return to Bad Habits?
Fast forward to the 2023 season, and the same issues that plagued Pickens’ early career have resurfaced. He’s once again in the spotlight, but this time, it’s not for his exceptional catches or brilliant routes; it’s for his emotional outbursts, on-field frustrations, and seeming inability to handle adversity. Here’s a closer look at some of the key incidents that have raised concerns:
#### Sideline Tantrums and Frustrations
Throughout the 2023 season, there have been numerous instances where Pickens has been seen visibly upset on the sidelines. Whether it’s from a lack of targets or a perceived lack of involvement in the game plan, Pickens’ frustration has been palpable. On multiple occasions, he’s been seen gesturing and arguing with offensive coaches, even appearing to throw his gloves or storm off the field after a play that didn’t go his way.
In one particularly notable incident, Pickens was caught on camera visibly upset during a game, shaking his head as the camera panned to him after an incomplete pass. His frustration boiled over into a brief exchange with coaches, causing some analysts to speculate that his behavior was disrupting the team’s chemistry.
It’s important to note that Pickens is far from the first wide receiver to get frustrated about a lack of targets. However, the way he’s reacted has raised eyebrows. For a player with so much potential, these sideline tantrums can be seen as a sign of immaturity or a lack of emotional control.
#### The Question of Team Chemistry
Pickens’ emotional outbursts aren’t just isolated incidents; they seem to be part of a broader pattern of behavior that is starting to raise concerns about his role within the locker room. A receiver’s attitude can have a significant impact on the morale of the entire offense, especially in a team-oriented sport like football. Reports from inside the locker room suggest that Pickens’ behavior may be starting to rub some of his teammates the wrong way.
One of the key challenges with Pickens’ attitude is his lack of consistency. For a player with so much talent, consistency in behavior is just as important as consistency on the field. If Pickens is constantly vocalizing dissatisfaction or lashing out when things don’t go his way, it could create tension within an offense that is already trying to find its rhythm.
Moreover, his behavior has the potential to negatively affect the development of quarterback Kenny Pickett, who is still adjusting to the demands of the NFL and learning how to lead an offense. Pickens’ outbursts might distract from the focus needed to help the entire offense gel, and that could ultimately hurt the development of the Steelers’ young quarterback.
#### Disconnected with Offensive Scheme
Another key element contributing to Pickens’ frustration may be his perception of his role in the offense. Early in the 2023 season, many observers noted that Pickens didn’t seem to be getting the volume of targets that he felt he deserved. The Steelers’ offense has been inconsistent, and while Pickens is undoubtedly one of the most talented players on the roster, the team’s reliance on a balanced attack and its ongoing development of a young quarterback may have limited Pickens’ opportunities.
In particular, offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s system has often been criticized for its predictability and lack of explosive plays. Pickens, who thrives on creating big plays down the field, might feel stifled by a system that doesn’t maximize his skill set. However, his reaction—at times vocal, at times passive-aggressive—suggests that he may not fully buy into the team concept or the larger vision for offensive success.
### What Needs to Change?
If the Steelers are going to get the most out of George Pickens, several things need to happen. The first and most important change will have to come from Pickens himself. While it’s clear that his talent is undeniable, his emotional maturity and ability to handle adversity will be key to his long-term success in the NFL. Here’s what needs to change for both Pickens and the Steelers:
#### 1. **Emotional Growth**
Pickens must learn to channel his competitive frustration in more constructive ways. It’s understandable for a player to be upset when he feels underutilized, but the constant sideline outbursts are distracting and disruptive. He needs to focus on controlling his emotions and becoming a more consistent leader on the field. This might require mentorship from veteran teammates or coaches who can help him develop better coping mechanisms for the inevitable frustrations that come with the game.
#### 2. **Better Communication with Coaches and Quarterback**
One of the keys to Pickens’ development as a player is open communication with offensive coordinator Matt Canada and quarterback Kenny Pickett. If Pickens is unhappy with his role or the offense’s scheme, he needs to express those concerns in a productive, professional way. Complaining on the sideline or getting visibly upset only harms the offense’s cohesion and the quarterback’s confidence. Pickens needs to mature into a player who can contribute to offensive success not only through his playmaking but also by becoming a positive force in the locker room.
#### 3. **Coaching Adjustment**
The Steelers’ coaching staff also needs to do their part. They need to recognize that Pickens is a game-changing player and ensure that he’s utilized effectively in the offense. Whether that means designing more plays to get him involved early in games or finding creative ways to get him open deep, the Steelers must find ways to get Pickens engaged without sacrificing the team’s overall chemistry.
### Conclusion: Can Pickens Get Back On Track?
George Pickens’ behavior in the 2023 season is undoubtedly concerning, but it’s not too late for him to turn things around. His immense talent is still evident, and he remains one of the Steelers’ most dynamic playmakers. However, his emotional outbursts and sideline antics suggest a need for growth—not just as a player but as a leader and teammate.
If Pickens can mature emotionally, communicate more effectively, and buy into the team concept, the sky is the limit for his potential. But if he continues to let frustration dictate his actions, it could put his future with the Steelers in jeopardy.
For now, the Steelers need to find a way to harness his talent while helping him develop into the player—and leader—they know he can be. After all, when George Pickens is focused, there are few more dangerous players in the league. The question is: can he keep his head in the game? Time will tell.
