ESPN’s Tedy Bruschi calls out ‘emotionally unstable’ $6,752,179 Steelers WR
ESPN's Tedy Bruschi has put Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver George Pickens on blast. Pickens didn't play in the Steelers' 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.
Before the game, while speaking on ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown," Bruschi blasted Pickens, who's in the third year of his four-year, $6,752,179 rookie deal, for his behavior on and off the field.
“This is a loose cannon at wide receiver," Bruschi said. "This is someone that decides when they play hard. This is someone that has penalties that can sometimes hurt the team based on emotions. Tomlin and Wilson in that offense, this can hold you back.
“This is a problem that I foresee. If you’re in critical situations like today where there’s a lot of trash talk going on and you got an emotionally unstable kid out there and all of a sudden there’s a 15-yard penalty. People are worrying about getting his mind right.”
Pickens has picked up 850 receiving yards on 55 receptions with three touchdowns this season. But at times, he has taken unnecessary penalties, as he has let his emotions get the best of him.
However, when he is on the field and in the right space, Pickens is one of the best receivers in the NFL and a true No. 1 option for the Steelers.
Mike Tomlin has confidence in Steelers' receivers despite Pickens' injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has been a question mark throughout the season, despite them having success. Russell Wilson has been playing good football at quarterback, and despite not having a true superstar receiver, the offense has been solid.
But after Pickens was ruled out for the Steelers' game against the Browns, many were concerned about how the receiver room would look. However, after Wilson threw for two touchdowns, coach Mike Tomlin was pleased with his group.
"It’s what we’ve been discovering, or rediscovering, throughout every component of this process,” Tomlin said, via NBC. “You guys were asking us about our lack of ‘number two’ in team development. The guys made plays where we throw the ball to make plays. The strength of the pack is the pack.
"We’ve got a bunch of guys that want to be the reasons why we’re successful. When given an opportunity, I think they continually prove that, whether Scotty or Mike or Calvin or Van. We believe in our group. I know I’ve said that to you guys repeatedly. Maybe you’ll start believing me.”
The Steelers are now 10-3 and atop the AFC North. Pittsburgh will return to the field on Sunday on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles.