Steelers’ George Pickens Vents Frustration Post Loss: “Can’t Play the Bills and Refs ‘at the Same Time”

After his Pittsburgh Steelers were eliminated by the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round on Monday, George Pickens was not pleased with the officiating or the playoff loss.

Steelers’ George Pickens Vents Frustration Post Loss: “Can’t Play the Bills and Refs at the Same Time”

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver George Pickens has avoided any incident in previous weeks. But he was back in the spotlight after the Steelers’ 31-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC wild-card round.

In an interview with the media following the loss, Pickens expressed harsh criticism of the refereeing in his first NFL playoff game.

“You can’t play the Bills and the refs at the same time,” George told reporters, via The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo. “You out there, and you’re trying to make the plays you are personally and then they  just take away calls.”

Although Pickens may not have been happy with the referees, Pittsburgh won the game thanks to one of the most contentious calls of the match.

In the first half, when things weren’t going well for the visitors, Pat Freiermuth seemed to fumble the ball and give it right back to Buffalo. The ball touched Freiermuth’s helmet, therefore officials decided that the Steelers would keep it.

Pickens’ ire at the refs during the playoff game against the Bills was probably sparked in large part by a Pittsburgh fourth-and-three try late in the game.

On the play, Pickens was the target of quarterback Mason Rudolph. When Pickens was in coverage, Bills CB Dane Jackson seemed to grab him by the facemask before twisting the Steelers receiver with a grip around his hip.

Officials, however, did not raise a flag. With 4:53 left in the fourth quarter, the Steelers were down by a score of 14. The play effectively terminated the game if there was no penalty.

Pickens’ remarks were probably a result of his continued frustration with the play.

Nevertheless, the Bills were superior to the opposition the entire time. They took an early and decisive 21-0 lead that they never gave up. Josh Allen replied with a touchdown throw to Khalil Shakir in the fourth quarter, even though the Steelers had pulled within one score.

Allen ran for 74 yards and another touchdown while throwing for 203 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Despite the unfavourable weather, the quarterback’s outstanding performance had a greater impact on the result than the officials.

How many targets has George Pickens had?

George Pickens has 5.59 targets per game played in his career.
NAME SEASON TRG
George Pickens 2022 84
George Pickens 2023 106
Average 95.0
Total 190

Is Carl Pickens related to George Pickens?

Though George is undoubtedly one of the best American football players in his family, did you know that? The legendary Carl , George’s father, deserves that distinction.

Did George Pickens unfollow Kenny Pickett?

He deleted all mention of the Steelers from his Instagram profile and posted an Instagram story with the caption “Free Me,” perhaps in a frustrated gesture. According to reports, Pickens unfollowed coach Tomlin, teammates Kenny Pickett and Johnson, as well.

How much did George Pickens get paid?

Season History
Year Team Base Salary
2023 Steelers $1,011,918
2024 Steelers $1,318,836
2025 Steelers $1,625,754
Total $4,661,508

 

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