GEORGE PICKENS has despatched shock waves via Steeler nation along with his feedback after the playoff defeat to the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday.

The star receiver picked up 900 yards in his 12 begins this season and had a team-high 87 yards, plus a landing within the 28-14 defeat.

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Pickens, a 2022 second spherical decide, is undoubtedly the workforce’s prime offensive weapon however did not maintain again after Pittsburgh crashed out of the playoffs after a FIFTH straight defeat.

After the loss, he was requested if he had seen development from the workforce in his three seasons.

He replied: “Yeah, I’ve seen indicators of development for certain.

“From first yr I have been right here, simply far more development, for certain.”

Pickens was then requested if that made him optimistic for the long run, he then stated: “Uh, nah.”

It’s unclear precisely what Pickens was referring to, though the are enormous query marks hanging over the franchise heading into subsequent season.

Each Russell Wilson and Justin Fields – who was benched after throwing simply 5 touchdowns in six video games – are free brokers.

His feedback may even have been directed at offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, or long-serving head coach Mike Tomlin – who’s going through elevated stress from the followers after one other loss.

Pittsburgh had been 10-3 at one level within the season however ended the season on a 4 recreation shedding streak earlier than the defeat to Baltimore.

Pickens was additionally essential of the workforce’s sluggish begins and pointed to a possible cause why.

He added: “I would most likely say simply getting the fellows prepared.”

“While you come out and guys are attempting, guys are attempting their hardest – the sport of soccer is simply gonna occur.

“Guys are gonna get upfield. They have good gamers that receives a commission, too.

“So, simply making an attempt our greatest to come back out quick.”

Whereas Wilson’s future is unclear, it’s clear that the 36-year-old QB needs to hold on with the franchise.

He stated: “It has been really a blessing in my life, it has been the most effective years for me personally to be a Pittsburgh Steeler, and clearly I hope I am right here and all the pieces else.

NFL Wild Card Weekend schedule

Saturday, January 11:

• No. 5 Los Angeles Chargers at No. 4 Houston Texans, 4:30 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
• No. 6 Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 3 Baltimore Ravens, 8:00 pm ET (Prime Video)

Sunday, January 12:

• No. 7 Denver Broncos at No. 2 Buffalo Payments, 1:00 pm ET (CBS, Paramount+)
• No. 7 Inexperienced Bay Packers at No. 2 Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 pm ET (Fox, Fox Deportes)
• No. 6 Washington Commanders at No. 3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:00 pm ET (NBC, Peacock, Universo)

Monday, January 13:

• No. 5 Minnesota Vikings at No. 4 Los Angeles Rams, 8:00 pm ET (ESPN, ABC)

“I belief God at any time when that’s. It is a particular, particular place.”

There are additionally reviews that different groups could commerce for Tomlin, however NFL insider Adam Schefter believes he’ll solely not be in cost subsequent season if he needs to depart.

“Something that might occur in Pittsburg involving Mike Tomlin would come along with his consent and his consent solely.

“A loss like final evening’s may additional groups to look into it.

“Pittsburgh hasn’t given any indication it needs to maneuver on from Mike Tomlin and this has been essentially the most affected person franchise not simply in soccer, however perhaps sports activities.

“When Invoice Cowher was struggling on the finish and followers in Pittsburgh wished him gone, the Rooneys caught with him and he wound up profitable one other Tremendous Bowl.

“There’s no indication this franchise needs to maneuver on from Mike Tomlin proper now.

“However this is a company proper now that’s going to have to deal with some points within the offseason.”