The Pittsburgh Steelers are trying to get back on track after a bad loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football. While a slow start by the Steelers' offense really dug the team into a hole, some players and coaches blamed other factors that caused them their third loss of the season. One excuse in particular didn't impress Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger at all.
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Steelers' George Pickens celebrates with his teammates after a big time touchdown.
George Pickens after the loss to the Browns, blamed the weather for the team's poor performance. He believed that the Steelers were still the superior team and that the Browns really are not a good team. Roethlisberger talked about Pickens' comments on his recent episode of Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger and told Pickens to never blame the weather, it's not the best look for anyone.
"Then after the game, I understand you want to say that they're not [the Browns] as good as you, that's fine you are welcome to that, and I know I've said it before, but don't blame the weather," said Roethlisberger. " Let us blame the weather, let other people do it. It's not a good look."
Roethlisberger, who is known for owning the Browns through his entire career, understands the frustration that must go through that locker room losing a game that the Steelers should have handled easily. Pickens blaming the weather, something the Browns had to deal with as well, it's just not the best excuse -- especially from Pittsburgh's number one receiver trying to prove that he is one of the league's elite wide receivers. Roethlisberger's advice isn't to pile on Pickens who has faced a good amount of media scrutiny this season, but to help him become more of a professional when it comes to talking to the media after games.
Pickens' frustrations weren't only from dropping one to Cleveland, but he didn't have his best outing with Russell Wilson, just hauling in four receptions for 48 yards. Pickens had the Browns' attention, where the referees allowed physical play between him and the defensive backs -- something else that Pickens was not pleased with after the game.
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George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks down during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland.
Pickens got the mini-bye week to collect himself and get ready for a bounce back game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He's had great performances in the past against them. In their last matchup, Pickens would have a career night in a must-win game. He would finish with four receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns in a 34-11 victory.
The Steelers need Pickens at his best not only in Cincinnati, but for the remainder of the season if they want to build some positive momentum to not only win the division, but make a deep run in the playoffs. This is a perfect game for Pittsburgh to get back on track and not only build some distance between them and the Baltimore Ravens, but to fight their way into the top spot in the AFC.
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Steelers WR George Pickens takes a short pass for a long touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Steelers Need Pickens To Shake Off The Cleveland Loss
The Steelers coaching staff have already moved on to the Bengals and they hope all of their players have as well. Pickens needs to be at the top of his game to help the offense get back on track, especially to start the game. The Steelers cannot continue to rely on the defense to keep them in the game until they decide to wake up. As the Steelers learned the hard way against the Browns, if they wait until the fourth quarter to start putting the ball into the end zone, they will likely lose. The Steelers cannot start stacking loses as the playoffs inch closer and are looking to break the streak of seasons without a playoff win.
Will Pickens shake off the Browns lose and get back on track? Do you agree with Roethlisberger's remarks on Pickens? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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