The Pittsburgh Steelers got a much-needed victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday to keep their postseason hopes alive. Star wide receiver George Pickens was a big reason for their success, and former Steelers star wide receiver Antonio Brown had plenty to say about Pickens’ breakout performance.
Pickens and Brown aren’t too different when it comes to their tenures in Pittsburgh. Both are uber-talented receivers with huge personalities that can rub teammates and fans the wrong way at times.
Pickens hasn’t enjoyed levels of success that Brown had during his career just yet. But his performance on Saturday showed what he is capable of when he is put in a position to succeed.
The second-year wideout flashed his big-play upside numerous times against the Bengals, recording 195 yards on just four receptions and finding the end zone twice.
Pickens has been criticized this season for a number of sideline outbursts where he appeared frustrated with his role in the Steelers offense. So this performance certainly had to be big for his confidence.
Antonio Brown has been in a similar situation as Pickens in the past during his time in Pittsburgh, often criticized for his body language during games. After Pickens’ breakout game on Saturday, Brown wasn’t shy to speak his mind about the young wideout.
“Imagine if the Steelers media made Pickens feel supported,” said Brown in a tweet. “He playing just unexcited. Imagine playing with that energy knowing they all fake. More love less hate.”
“Imagine hating on your best player,” wrote Brown.
“After the hate comes movie theaters,” said Brown in a third tweet.
If anyone knows how Pickens has been feeling this year, it would be Antonio Brown. So he must be extremely happy to see that Pickens had such a great day on Saturday night.
Hopefully this is a sign of things to come from Pickens moving forward.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.