Russell Wilson and George Pickens (Photo via Getty Images and YouTube)
Wide receiver George Pickens had an abysmal showing during the loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night in Week 18.
Pickens needed to be on his game during this game, but he failed to show up in every way possible, catching just one of his six targets for zero yards.
Not only that, the Steelers receiver appeared to get into it with fans on the sideline at Acrisure Stadium, where the home team fell to the rival Bengals, 19-17.
The former second-round pick also had three drops on six targets.
Saturday’s regular-season finale marked the worst outing of the year for George Pickens, who decided he wasn’t going to speak to the media afterward, according to ESPN.
Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson did not shy away from the media as he spoke on Pickens after the game and did not mince words when speaking about his play on the field.
“I believe in George,” Wilson said, via Steelers reporter Chris Adamski. “I believe in who he is, the player he is. He’s been a star for us all season. You know, he’s going to be a difference maker for us in the playoffs, obviously, and I’m looking forward to that and what he can do — what we can do together. I’m not blinking on George. If anyone believes in him, I definitely do.”
George Pickens Might be The Reason The Steelers Face The Ravens In The First Round
The Pittsburgh Steelers rode a three-game losing streak on Saturday with a chance to win the AFC North and avoid playing the Ravens in the first round.
Unfortunately, they watched the Ravens cruise to a 35-10 victory over the Browns to clinch the division.
Even so, they still had a shot at clinching the No. 5 seed and eliminating the Cincinnati Bengals from playoff contention with a win.
They did not show up, and star WR George Pickens was easily to blame.
The third-year receiver has had his fair share of on-field controversies and saved his worst for last.
Pickens had just one reception for zero yards on six targets in the loss to the Bengals. Of those five incompletions, three of them were drops.
If the Chargers win on Sunday, the Steelers will face the Ravens.
Dwight Howard Brutally Trolls 76ers Star Joel Embiid For His Flopping Skills
Dwight Howard and Joel Embiid (Images Credit: Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has established himself as one of the toughest players to guard in the NBA. By using his combination of size, strength, and skill, the 7-foot center has dominated opponents, leading the league in free throw attempts per game in three of the last four seasons. Despite Minnesota Timberwolves commentators’ criticism, his ability to draw fouls and exploit his physicality has made him a nightmare for defenders.
Former NBA star Dwight Howard recently shared his perspective on guarding Embiid during an appearance on the Thanalysis Show. When asked how he would approach defending Embiid, Howard laid out his strategy after trolling Embiid for his flopping skills.
“He is probably, I think, the toughest to guard because he knows how to flop. He knows how to use his size and his strength when he has to. He can shoot real well. If I was checking him, I would have to beat him up and down the court, not let him get easy points, don’t go for no pump fakes,” Howard said.
“Usually when he gets it in his left hand, he does it with his right, but he likes to left hesi to the pull-up. So, I would be right up on that. So, as soon as have it like this, I’m crowding his space because I know he’s either going to do like this and try to go around me,” he added.
Paul George Heaps High Praise On Joel Embiid After Win Over Brooklyn
The Philadelphia 76ers dominated the Brooklyn Nets with a 123-94 victory at Barclays Center, thanks to Joel Embiid’s stellar performance. After the game, his teammate Paul George admired the 2022-23 NBA MVP’s competitive spirit and leadership on the court.
