Mike Tomlin defends George Pickens despite Steelers’ tantrum

Pittsburgh Steelers’ George Pickens was clearly upset about his lack of scoring in the team’s eventual victory over the Falcons on Sunday. Mike Tomlin wants to channel that energy.

George Pickens was caught on camera throwing a sideline tantrum over a lack of goals during a fourth quarter change of possession in the Steelers’ final victory over the Falcons on Sunday.

While no one can totally fault Pickens since he’s been one of Pittsburgh’s only reliable receivers all season, one hopes he can channel that energy into helping his team win, rather than complaining about his lack of opportunities. The Steelers were winning the game at the time, after all.

Steelers: Mike Tomlin has words of encouragement for George Pickens

However, Mike Tomlin is taking the right approach with a young player in Pickens. Instead of chastising Georgia extensively, Tomlin wants to help him use that energy and fire to win in a positive light.

“I’d rather say ‘whoa’ than ‘sic,'” Tomlin said on Tuesday. per ESPN. “I want a guy who wants to be an important part of what we’re doing. Now, the appropriate, professional, mature way to put it, we’re growing and working, and we’re going to get that going. But that spirit, that competitive spirit, the guy who wants the ball. I want that guy.”

Tomlin was far from the only stable, veteran voice pulling Pickens aside. Fellow wide receiver Deontay Johnson offered some words of encouragement after Pickens made a one-catch, two-yard performance Sunday.

“Keep your focus, just try not to get down and out, keep playing,” Johnson said of his message to Pickens. “You never know when the ball is going to come to you. … I’ve been there before. Just try not to let it get to you so much that it puts you out of the game.”

These are all valuable lessons for the young Georgia producer. Pickens has a lot of talent. If he can pull it all together, he could be one of the best players in the game.

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