The Pittsburgh Steelers season has spiraled out of control the last few weeks. They are riding a three-game losing streak heading into a huge matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 that could determine their playoff fate.
A fourth straight loss would really put the Steelers behind the eight-ball. It would also jeopardize head coach Mike Tomlin’s streak of seasons to begin a head coaching career without a losing record. There aren’t many, if any people who thought this is where Pittsburgh’s season would be heading three weeks ago.
The Steelers were hosting the 2-10 Arizona Cardinals at Acrisure Stadium in Week 13 but put together a dud, losing 24-10. They also lost starting quarterback Kenny Pickett to an ankle injury in the game.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Tomlin, George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
Week 14 was a short week against the 2-10 New England Patriots, but they were home again. Unfathomably, another dud was produced as they lost 21-18. It was a historic loss for the Steelers, who were then blown out in Week 15 by the Indianapolis Colts. After jumping out to a 13-0 lead, Pittsburgh was outscored 30-0 the rest of the way.
One of the players who came under fire during that Colts game was wide receiver George Pickens. A replay went viral of him not blocking on a run play, which could have sprung Jaylen Warren for a touchdown.
His lack of effort in recent weeks has been alarming as his production has cratered as well. During the loss to the Patriots, Pickens was called out for his lack of effort in the running game as well as a blocker. NFL analyst Peter King believes it is time for Tomlin and the team to send a message to Pickens by benching him in Week 16.
“What George Pickens is doing right now is absolutely, totally, unacceptable,” King said on The Cook & Joe Show. “I don’t really care how great he could be or should be, I care about how great he is, and he’s not great right now. Because there are plays where he absolutely dogs it.
“His career’s not over. It can be salvaged, it can be fixed. But if I were the Steelers right now … I know how important this game is … he’d be deactivated Sunday against Cincinnati.”
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Tomlin, George Pickens, Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
The Steelers have already decided to bench Mitchell Trubisky, who went 0-2 in relief of Pickett. Mason Rudolph will be out there on Saturday against the Bengals and if King were running the team, he would be without the team’s leading receiver as well.
Pickens is leading the Steelers with 52 receptions for 814 yards this season. He is far from the only person frustrated with how the team has performed on offense this season, but they aren’t putting forth the alarming lack of effort that he has shown.
Something has to give for the Steelers sooner rather than later. Either they find a way to get Pickens more engaged on the field or a lineup change needs to be made to help improve the team’s overall production on the field.
Want the latest NFL analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
