NFL Hall of Famer George Pickens calls out during Steelers’ three-game skid

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was singled out by NFL legend Terrell Owens after the Steelers had missed three straight games, including a lopsided Christmas Day loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Pickens, returning from a three-game absence with a hamstring injury, was expected to make an impact against the defending champions.

Kansas City Chiefs safety Justin Reid (20) hits Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the second half, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gen J. Puskar)

But after just three receptions for 50 yards, the third-year faced scrutiny for his lack of widespread production. He was among those who called him Terrell Owens Hall of Famer.

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In response to a social media post about Cam Hayward’s postgame comments, “When 10 guys do their job and one guy doesn’t, we get down on ourselves,” Owens said, agreeing that there is a similar issue on offense.

“It’s the same on offense when it causes (interruptions) because they don’t run Route 14,” Owens said in a post on X.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) tackles Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (2) Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gen J. Puskar)

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Owens was referring to a play late in the first quarter. With the Chiefs leading 13-0, the veteran quarterback Russell Wilson threw an interception in the end zone. While owning up to the mistake, Wilson admitted that Pickens should have run a different route.

“Yeah, you know, I think it was going to go vertical. But at the end of the day, it can’t happen. It’s on me,” Wilson said. via FOX 8. “I was trying to give Pat (Freiermuth) a chance. He did a good job for us in the red zone and they had a good game.”

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Leo Chenal (54) Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Matt Free)

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The Steelers have lost three games in 11 days.

“The bottom line is the junior varsity is not good enough. We have to own it,” head coach Mike Tomlin said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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