Mike Tomlin admits George Pickens expressing his frustrations is a problem

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) head coach Mike Tomlin admitted Monday that the repeated outbursts out of frustration from receiver George Pickens are a problem.

“It’s a problem because it’s not solution-oriented,” Tomlin said, via Pro Football Talk. “You know we are all frustrated, but we got to manage our frustrations in a professional, mature way. When it’s not done that way, it’s not necessarily pushing us to solutions. So from that perspective, certainly [it’s a problem].”

Pickens has had multiple instances of airing his frustrations during games this season, including during this past Thursday’s 21-18 defeat to the New England Patriots (3-10). Tomlin, who was seen having a conversation with Pickens on the sideline, declined to divulge the subject of the discussion.

George Pickens is going through it.pic.twitter.com/Wgkr2FPohg

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 8, 2023

At the end of the day, Tomlin wants to see Pickens channel his frustration in a productive way.

“I think it can happen to anybody when things aren’t going well, to be honest with you,” Tomlin said. “We care a lot. We put a lot into it. So frustration is a natural human response. But I’m also completely comfortable asking these guys to do unnatural things because they are professional athletes. That’s our job to do the unique things and make it look regular. Make it took ordinary.”

George Pickens continues string of pedestrian performances

Much of Pickens’ frustrations can be traced back to not getting the ball enough. While Pickens paces the Steelers with 49 receptions for 767 yards and three touchdowns, the past two months have been tough sledding. He hasn’t hit the century mark since Week 7 and has posted over 60 yards just once since then. In the loss to New England, he came down with five receptions for only 19 yards.

Quarterback Mitch Trubisky summed up Pickens’ frustrations while speaking with the media after the game.

“I try to talk to G on the sidelines,” Trubisky said. “Obviously, he’s frustrated. We are all frustrated. The game didn’t go down how we wanted it. We would like to get him the ball more and get him going. He’s a special talent. Everyone has to manage their emotions, and we got to drive in the same direction in order to be successful.”