Steelers OC Matt Canada Absolutely Downplayed Any Problem With George Pickens' Attitude

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens is in his second year with the team. Questions about his attitude began to arise even before he arrived in the Steel City. Pickens has shown moments of disillusionment as the offensive struggles have continued from last year into this year. He has made it abundantly clear that he wants quarterback Kenny Pickett to get him the ball more often. He even made some comments after the Tennessee Titans Week 9 matchup that have drawn him some sharp criticism from fans. As the team preps for the Week 10 game against the Green Bay Packers, the coaches have made it clear they aren't concerned about Pickens. 

During his regular weekly press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin dismissed the idea that Pickens is a distraction or a problem. He said that he understands that Pickens is a competitor who wants to get the ball as often as possible and he doesn't begrudge him that. Tomlin said he realizes the media loves to sensationalize these stories, but for him, it's nothing more than a "pebble" in his shoe.

Now Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada is echoing those same sentiments. Canada, who came out of the press box and onto the sideline to call a game for the first time this season, also had his regular press conference on Thursday. In a video released on Twitter/X by 93.7 The Fan, Canada spoke about Pickens' demeanor during the Tennessee game. 

"Me and George get along great. I think George loves football, he loves to play, he wants to win. We talked. They talk about me being on the sidelines - I talked to George after every series and George was happy we were winning," assured Canada.

What Canada said directly contradicts the visual Pickens sent with his body language during the game. After his teammate, fellow wide receiver Diontae Johnson scored a touchdown, Pickens could be seen with his head down, running off the field. This was not just any old touchdown either. This was Johnson's first touchdown since the 2021 season. The last touchdown pass he'd caught was from former quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.

Not only did Pickens seem annoyed after the touchdown, he seemed to be moping the rest of the game. He was not his usual more upbeat self. But both Tomlin and Canada stated that Pickens is just a competitor. 

"He's a super talent, obviously he wants the ball. Everybody who plays football in a skill position wants the ball and they want the ball more. I don't think you'll find anybody anywhere that doesn't. So I think we're in a great spot with that. We'll continue to go and continue to find ways to win," continued Canada.

Some of Pickens' frustrations are likely coming from the fact that he is being double-teamed by the majority of the defenses. Johnson just isn't the kind of receiver that gets doubled up on and opponents are finding ways to smother Pickens. 

The Steelers Offense Is Slowly Improving 

Pittsburgh's offense has been inconsistent for the entire 2023 season thus far. They haven't managed to score more than 26 points in a game and in the one that they did against the Cleveland Browns, the defense scored 14 of those points themselves. 

When Tomlin was asked about Pickens, he reiterated that they win and lose as a team, not as individuals. This makes him a critical member of the offense, even when Pickett is not looking to send the ball his way. This isn't all that surprising from Tomlin as he has routinely said that, "he would rather say 'whoa' than 'sic 'em.'" 

In an earlier press conference, Pickett said the same thing. He said that having defenses so scared of letting Pickens get loose, that they double cover him, gives Pickett the chance to send the ball to another member of the offense and pick up first downs. Pickett feels that Pickens does not get enough credit from fans or the media for the contributions that he makes to the offense. 

The offense hasn't been pretty, but they have been finding ways to win, especially late in the game. The Steelers came out swinging for the first time this season with Canada ensconced in his new sideline location. It will be interesting to see if they try to bring the same aggression against the Packers.     

While Pickens might be upset he is not getting the ball more often, Tomlin and Canada are right to not worry too much about his tantrums. He is a passionate, young player who wants the ball. While it may not be the best "look" for him to appear to be a bad sport, I would be more worried if he was apathetic. The offense cannot be schemed around getting the ball into the hands of one player, instead, they need to build around what it is that they can do to win. 

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