The Pittsburgh Steelers are 9-3 after a huge win over the Cincinnati Bengals that saw them put up 44 points – their most since 2018. Russell Wilson hit 10 different receivers on the day to spread 29 completions. George Pickens caught three of those passes for 70 yards and a touchdown. However, he also accounted for 30 yards in penalties for two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. This comes after Pickens ended Week 12 in a brawl with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome. Mike Tomlin was asked about this after the game, to which he was very frank with his feelings.

“He’s just got to grow up, man,” Tomlin said. “It’s an emotional game. These divisional games are big. He got a target on his back because he’s gorge. He understands that. But he’s got to grow up. He’s got to grow up in a hurry.”

Mike Tomlin on George Pickens' penalties: “He’s just got to grow up man. It’s an emotional game. These divisional games are big. He got a target on his back because he’s gorge. He understands that. But he’s got to grow up. He’s got to grow up in a hurry.”

— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 1, 2024

Pickens’ big-play ability is undeniable, but so is the fact that he is his own worst enemy more often than not. It’s something that needs to be figured out. Because while it didn’t cost the Steelers a win today, it very well could in the future.