George Pickens of the Steelers should be disciplined, according to Bill Cowher, for “not performing and giving everything.”
When asked about Pittsburgh receiver George Pickens’ recent loafing on a blocking assignment, the Steelers’ Hall of Fame coach didn’t mince words, defending his conduct by declaring that he didn’t want to get harmed.
“It is disappointing to see and hear what George Pickens talks about, because culture really is about commitment and sacrifice,” Cowher remarked on Thursday’s edition of “Theย Pat McAfeeย Show.” “You’re not just playing with one another, you’re playing for one another.”
Cowher stated that he “could never imagine” a player doing what Pickens did while “not performing and giving everything.”
“To me, it’s all about effort,” Cowher explained. “I understand that we’re going to make mistakes, and sometimes we don’t make the right decision.” However, your effort and capacity to be there for your colleague, helping someone up, should never be questioned.
“That is extremely inconvenient. I believe there must be consequences for this, so we’ll see what happens. He will be held accountable, because responsibility is required. If you don’t do anything and there’s no consequence for the decision he made, you’re losing responsibility, which I believe is a critical component in that building.”
Pickens will play against the Bengals on Saturday, according to Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on Wednesday. Pickens’ penalty, according to Tomlin, will be handled internally.
Pickens’ actions have clearly not gone over well in the Pittsburgh locker room.
“Some people play the game differently,” said Steelers running back Jaylen Warren, who Pickens did not block for in the Steelers’ loss to the Colts last Saturday. “I would have blocked for him if I were in that position.” But because we play differently…”
Pickens’ actions have only fueled speculation about the leadership โ or lack thereof โ in the Steelers’ locker room. Former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger recently stated that, while the team has defensive leaders, he questions whether or not Pittsburgh has offensive leaders.
“You need someone to stand up in that room, on offense, and be like, ‘Hey, this isn’t what it means to wear the black and gold,'” Roethlisberger said on his podcast. “This isn’t what was handed down from those 1970s teams.” The Steel Curtain, four Super Bowl victories, the Nolls, Bradshaws, and Blounts. It’s incredible how many people there are.
“I understand the further you get away from that, the harder it is unless it’s being passed down and carried the right way.”
While Pickens’ situation is still being worked out, Cowher was asked about Pittsburgh’s biggest on-field issue: an offense that has struggled to produce points all season.
“Is it possible to turn it around?” “Yeah,” Cowher agreed. “I think you have to take a step back after the season and figure out what you want to do on the offensive side of the ball.” Bring in someone established who will bring in his system and get back to what Steelers football is all about.”