George Pickens Admits Rams Got Under His Skin
INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Rams took it to George Pickens. No, not really during the actual play. During those moments, Pickens had another solid game. He put up his third 100-yard game of the season, racking 107 yards on five receptions. He continues to do that as he elevates himself into the role of No. 1 wide receiver. But the Rams had another plan after the play was over to get at him.
Knowing that George Pickens is emotional, defensive backs threw small jabs at Pickens and tried to get under his skin. They were the factors that made Pickens run into a taunting penalty that set the Steelers back after a big gain off a slant route. His blindside block penalty did not help matters, either.
“I feel like personally, going out there, a game like this showed me, they’re kinda looking at me for trying to mess up,” Pickens said. Guys are antagonizing me more. Today is the first time I’ve seen anything like that. Guys were really just trying to get me out of the game or get under my skin deliberately. All I can really say is keep fighting hard.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wants his players to learn and grow from the experience. He’s not worried about them being competitors. He would later say that he would rather say ‘whoa than sic’em’ to these players, who are competitors. He has applied that to many players, including Pickens, in the past.
“Grow, learn and grow,” Tomlin said. “In totality, I’m talking about what we can do moving forward. There’s nothing we can do about what happened today, but it’s in the can. But we can learn from out experiences moving forward.”
Pickens is having a great season in his second year. And some think the offense is holding him back. So far, even with Johnson back in the lineup, the Rams played over toward Pickens’ side. That left Johnson open and able to make some plays. But regardless of where things stand, Pickens will have to get his emotions in check slightly. But sometimes, keeping the dog in a guy like Pickens is better. He’s got an edge and is not the same guy without it. Pittsburgh will have to walk the line with it.
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