George Pickens, the wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, had the last laugh amid widespread criticism.
Leading up to the Steelers’ Week 16 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday night, Pickens faced scrutiny from various sources. The spotlight was on him after a controversial decision in Week 15, where he chose not to block a defender during a crucial running play in the red zone against the Indianapolis Colts. Adding fuel to the fire, Pickens later explained to the media that he avoided blocking on the play to prevent injury.
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However, Pickens swiftly silenced his critics during the game against Cincinnati. In the first quarter, he took a screen pass 86 yards for a touchdown and followed up with a 66-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter, showcasing his prowess on the field.
After his second touchdown, cameras captured Pickens sending a clear message to his critics without saying a word. He mimicked a person talking with his hand, followed by covering his ears—an apt response from Pickens, who dominated the Bengals defense with 195 yards and two touchdowns on just four receptions in Pittsburgh’s convincing 34–11 victory.
While Pickens’ athletic abilities have never been in question, his decision to take plays off had drawn criticism. Nonetheless, his stellar performance on the field spoke volumes and likely shifted the narrative in his favor.
