Bengals WR Criticizes Steelers, George Pickens

The Pittsburgh Steelers culture remains under fire heading into Week 16's matchup with the Bengals.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers culture has been in question for most of the second half of the season, and as they prepare for the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16, wide receiver George Pickens is the center of attention when discussing the team's lack of effort. 

Pickens was caught on camera during a run in Week 15 giving minimal effort on a block that could have sprung Jaylen Warren into the endzone. When asked about the situation, Pickens admitted he wasn't trying to risk injury, and therefore chose to ease up on the play. 

"I was just trying to prevent the Tank Dell situation, the same thing that happened to (him)," Pickens said. "I ain't want to get an injury. When you stay on the block too low, you can get ran up on very easily."

ESPN's Ben Baby asked Bengals wide receiver and Pitt alum Tyler Boyd about Pickens's decision, and the Cicinnati wideout gave his thoughts on why it shows where the Steelers are after losing three-straight games.

"It just shows the lack of camaraderie that’s over there," Boyd said. "I can’t really talk for anybody, but like when things ain’t going well, you still gotta perform at a high level and do what you can to help your team. I saw a clip with him on a pick, it kind of looked like he wasn’t trying to chase it down. See, I don’t go about that. That’s something that they got to deal with. When things ain’t going good, that’s when your true colors show. I like to be the same player week in, week out, whether it’s going good or bad for me."

The Steelers currently hold a 1-0 series lead over the Bengals heading into Week 16. But with the Bengals climbing their way into the 6th seed in the AFC and Pittsburgh out the outside of the playoff picture trying to fight their way back in, this game holds much more pressure for the black and gold. 

And with Pickens's under a microscope, there will be plenty of moments to shut down or enhance a growing narrative about the receiver and the locker room. 

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