Pittsburgh Steelers broad receiver George Pickens got here underneath fireplace this week for a few performs within the crew’s 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The harshest criticism was reserved for his failure to complete a block on a play that would have resulted in a Jaylen Warren landing had he put forth extra of an effort — or any effort.
On Tuesday, Pickens defined why he did not end the block on the play, and it mainly got here right down to him making a enterprise determination. In different phrases, he did not wish to danger an damage.
The Tank Dell scenario refers to a play the place the Texans rookie was injured while blocking on a operating play. Pickens additionally known as out the media for not taking part in the sport and understanding what it’s like on the sector.
There are a number of issues with Pickens’ rationalization and the following call-out. The primary is the straightforward undeniable fact that an damage can occur on any play and in any scenario. The second is that Pickens utterly disengaged from the block earlier than the play got here anyplace close to him and by no means even made an effort to dam.
It’s also not simply media members calling him out. Former gamers have done so as well.
Throughout his school profession at Georgia and through his rookie season with the Steelers, Pickens had made a number of highlights for delivering large blocks on defensive backs. This was such an entire 180 from that, and it resulted in harsh criticism.
In a vacuum the missed block won’t be a giant deal as a one-time factor however Pickens additionally misplaced a soar ball to a considerably smaller defensive again on Saturday on a play that resulted in an interception and has solely caught 29 % of the contested balls he has been focused on this season, down from 63 percent a year ago.
Including to the issue is that between Pickens and Diontae Johnson, the Steelers’ top-two broad receivers have had a number of moments this season the place their effort has been questioned for superb purpose. It’s simply one of many many the reason why their offense stays close to the underside of the NFL.