Steelers George Pickens gets into it with fans during dreadful performance against Bengals

George Pickens had a memorable night in Pittsburgh — for what he did on the sideline, at least.The Steelers receiver appeared to get into it with fans on the sideline at Acrisure Stadium, where the home team fell to the rival Bengals, 19-17, with Cincinnati keeping its slim playoff hopes alive.In footage shared on social media, the 23-year-old Pickens can be seen having a tense exchange with those in the stands before Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth intervened.The former second-round pick had a paltry performance against Cincinnati with three drops on six targets.He also tallied one reception for zero yards.Saturday’s regular-season finale marked the worst outing of the year for Pickens, who did not speak to the media afterward, according to ESPN.Pickens has been a lightning rod for criticism in recent weeks.In early December, the former Georgia wideout drew the ire of head coach Mike Tomlin when he was flagged for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in a Week 13 victory over the Bengals.“He’s just gotta grow up, man,” Tomlin said at the time.

“It’s an emotional game.These divisional games are big.

He’s got a target on his back because he’s George.He understands that.

But he’s gotta grow up, and he’s gotta grow up in a hurry.”Former NFL receiver Terrell Owens also chided Pickens’ production in a Christmas Day loss to the Chiefs, when he had three catches for 50 yards.In response to comments from Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward that appeared on social media — “When 10 guys do their job and one guy doesn’t, we are screwed” — Owens said, “Same on offense as well when you got #14 not running his routes causing INTs.”Despite the mounting negative chatter around Pickens, Wilson — who went 17 for 31 for 148 yards and a touchdown Saturday — hasn’t wavered his faith in the wideout.“I believe in George,” the 36-year-old quarterback said, per ESPN.“Listen, everything’s not always perfect for everyone.

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