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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

The conundrum of Steelers wide receiver George Pickens

Last week, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens had his best game as a pro. The timing of it couldn’t be more interesting as it came after several poor games where Pickens was under fire for lack of effort and his commitment to the team.

But last Saturday’s game really gave us a lot of unpack about Pickens and created something of a problem Pittsburgh will need to contend with going forward.

Pickens looked like a great player and teammate after catching two long touchdowns. He was smiling and upbeat, celebrating with teammates.

So what happens when things don’t go his way? The reality is every week isn’t going to be four catches for 195 rushing yards. If the only way Pickens can be happy is by being productive, will everyone just have to handle his emotional roller coaster or can he grow from this and learn to live with great games and poor ones?

Pickens has 56 receptions for 1,009 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns. The Steelers have two games left for him to build on this but if the team falters down the stretch and has nothing left to play for, will we see the darker side of Pickens come out again?

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