Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Absolutely Exasperated With George Pickens Antics

The Pittsburgh Steelers' weak performance against the Houston Texans has left fans rattled. The team has had a bit of a rocky and inconsistent start to the 2023 season, but the Texans game was one that nearly everyone agreed they would win. The Steelers did not just lose it, they got owned by the Texans in every phase of the game. Now, one former Steelers legend is pointing fingers. 

Former Steelers quarterback and future Hall of Famer, Ben Roethlisberger, did not pull any punches when breaking down the game on his podcast. He now co-hosts Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger with his friend Spencer Te'o and said he felt like most of the nation going into the game, confident that the Steelers would be able to pull out a win in Houston. That did not happen, however. The offense was anemic and the defense gave up big play after big play. There is a lot of blame to go around after such a poor showing. Fans and analysts are mad at everyone from Head Coach Mike Tomlin to quarterback Kenny Pickett and of course, there is still plenty of ire left over for everyone's least favorite offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. Roethlisberger is aiming his criticism at the offense, but not where you would think. 

According to Roethlisberger, one of the plays, or lack thereof, that frustrated him the most came from wide receiver George Pickens. Pickens has become well-known throughout the NFL for making the most incredible contested catches. However, he absolutely blew it against the Texans said Roethlisberger.

"Now could the game have been different? George Pickens has his hands on a touchdown, and one that wasn't easy, but I've seen him catch a lot harder ones."

Pickens has been accused of behavior the Steelers have seen from wide receivers in the past - being a bit immature. He follows the likes of Antonio Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster in posting things he probably shouldn't on social media. Pickens has also displayed frustration during games when he feels that he is not getting the ball enough. While some will call that passion, others find it distracting and childish. 

Roethlisberger cautions that players have to be careful if they are going to vent that they are not being targeted enough or before they talk trash to opposing teams. Before you start running your mouth, you have to make sure that you can cash the checks you are writing. Against the Texans, Pickens' check definitely bounced and Roethlisberger wastes no time pointing it out. 

"Young man wants to get on top of people and talk a lot over people and be that guy, you got to make those plays," stated Roethlisberger matter-of-factly.

Those are the kinds of plays that can change the entire tone of the game. However, the Texans were able to render Pickens ineffectual, or perhaps Pickens rendered himself ineffectual. Regardless of why, he was held to catching just three of his seven targets for a paltry 25 yards. The saddest part is that he still led the receivers for receiving yards for the game. 

Pickens did have the opportunity for a big catch that he should have been able to reel in, but did not. For a player who is known to fans as a difference-maker in these situations, it was frustrating. That catch might have been the spark the team needed. Roethlisberger wondered how much a play like that could have meant. Te'o told Roethlisberger that he saw that as a huge blow.       

"I think it's very different. Not necessarily because of the math, obviously, that helps, but the momentum. It's like, 'OK we can actually do this.' We are not just trying to get close for [Chris Boswell]," said Te'o.

Roethlisberger feels that "getting close for Boz," meaning kicker Chris Boswell, is a common problem with the team. The offense sputters out and they rely on their kicker to field goal the other team to death.

Do you see Pickens as a problem on the offense? How about with his social media presence? Do we rely too much on him to come down with incredibly difficult catches? Click to comment below. 

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