Steelers' Tomlin: Pickens has to 'grow up' after penalties vs. Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin expects more from George Pickens after the wide receiver was flagged twice in Sunday's 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
"He's just got to grow up, man. This emotional game, man, these divisional games are big," Tomlin said postgame, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "He got a target on his back because he's George, he understands that, but he's got to grow up. He's got to grow up in a hurry."
Pickens was flagged for taunting in the first half. He was later penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct in the third quarter after seemingly pointing a finger gun at the crowd following a 36-yard play to pick up a first down. Pickens addressed his second penalty postgame, saying the refs didn't understand his celebration.
George Pickens called for another unsportsmanlike conduct for this celebration. #steelers pic.twitter.com/G8yBc6yYZe
— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) December 1, 2024
"I was doing first down," the Steelers' leading wideout said, according to Steelers Depot's Josh Carney.
Pickens added: "They said they got the gesture wrong, you know what I mean? Thought it was something else. You can't hurt the team. I never intend to hurt the team, but he thought the gesture was different."
Pickens finished the matchup with three receptions for 74 yards and one touchdown. He leads Pittsburgh with 55 catches and 850 catches in 2024. The 23-year-old has also caught three TDs.
Bengals defensive back Mike Hilton admitted that getting under Pickens' skin was part of Cincinnati's plan for the rivalry contest.
"Everybody sees it on film," Hilton said, according to ESPN's Kimberley A. Martin. "If he's not getting the ball or DBs are being physical with him, he gets in his own head."
The Steelers improved to 9-3 with their latest victory. They'll play another division rival, the Cleveland Browns, next week. Cleveland upset Pittsburgh 24-19 on Nov. 21.