Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Praises George Pickens' Response to Critics

The Pittsburgh Steelers got their star wide receiver back but Mike Tomlin wasn't surprised.

PITTSBURGH -- Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens stole the spotlight this past week for all the wrong reasons. His effort and professionalism came under fire during a difficult week, but he turned it into a positive. 

Pickens was one of, if not the, biggest reason that the Steelers picked up a 34-11 victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, accounting for 195 yards and two touchdowns and validating head coach Mike Tomlin's decision to stick by him. 

"Man, he made some splash plays that was needed," Tomlin said. "His pedigree showed, no doubt."

Tomlin said the Steelers came into the game with a "scared money don't make money" mentality and that meant taking plenty of shots downfield to Pickens. 

And he was efficient with the opportunities he got. The second-year wideout out of Georgia needed just six targets and four receptions - two of which accounted for 66 and 44 yards each - to amass nearly 200 yards and a pair of touchdowns. 

Tomlin was his typical stern self, holding any excitement he might have held about Pickens' monster game in check. To play that way after the week Pickens had, "It was appropriate," Tomlin said. 

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