Steelers' Pickens blames loss on conditions: Browns aren't good 'at all'
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens isn't impressed by the Browns despite his team's 24-19 loss to Cleveland on Thursday.
"The conditions played a huge, huge part in today's game. I don't really think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all," Pickens said postgame, per Alan Saunders of Steelers Now.
Heavy snow came down in the second half of the matchup, adding to an entertaining divisional battle between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. The Browns built a 12-point lead early in the fourth quarter, but the Steelers registered 13 unanswered points midway through the final frame to take the lead. Running back Nick Chubb then scored a short touchdown run with 0:57 left in the contest to help Cleveland stun its archrival.
"The conditions kind of saved them today," Pickens added.
The Steelers had won five straight games before Thursday's matchup, while the Browns won only two of their first 10 contests in 2024. Pittsburgh still leads the AFC North with an 8-3 record.
Pickens finished the night with four catches for 48 yards, his lowest yardage total since Russell Wilson became the team's starting quarterback Oct. 20.
Cameras showed Pickens seemingly getting involved in a fight with Browns defensive back Greg Newsome in the end zone after the final play of the game.
When asked about the incident postgame, Pickens said "nothing" happened, according to Brooke Pryor of ESPN.
George Pickens appeared to be fighting with a Browns defender on the Hail Mary attempt, and he had to be held back near the stands after the play. He declined postgame interview requests. pic.twitter.com/PQTx28XiwS
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 22, 2024
Newsome seemingly reacted to the situation on social media postgame.
Fake tough guy 😂😂😂
— Greg Newsome II (@gnewsii) November 22, 2024