Former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been under the microscope recently, as the Dallas Cowboys star has had his effort questioned. Under the national spotlight against the Detroit Lions in Week 14, Pickens was criticized for his lackadaisical performance, and questions remained as he earned just three receptions for 33 yards on six targets last week against the Minnesota Vikings.
But just like that, Pickens' talent found a way to break through the narrative that's been weighing him down for weeks.
In Week 16 against the LA Chargers, it only took Pickens two quarters to unleash his will against the opposing defense. In the first half against Los Angeles, Pickens raked in four receptions on five targets for 86 yards and a touchdown, per ESPN stats.
This was a much-needed bounce-back performance.
In Pickens' previous three games, the 24-year-old receiver hit one of the lowest points of his four-year career—recording 14 receptions on 28 targets for just 158 yards (5.6 yards per target). Pickens also fumbled the ball twice during that span, while quarterback Dak Prescott earned a passer rating of just 37.5 when looking his way from Week 13 to Week 15.
Pittsburgh Steelers fans are feeling George Pickens regret all over again
Just when we finally started to feel vindicated in the George Pickens trade, the Steelers' 2022 second-round pick has fans feeling trade remorse all over again. Before his unspectacular three-game stretch late in the season, Pickens was on track for All-Pro-level numbers.
Against the Chargers, Pickens' deep-ball ability was on display. Few receivers in the league possess more raw talent than the former Georgia product, and it's a shame the Steelers couldn't make it work with Pickens in Pittsburgh.
However, this is a good time to remind fans of all the headaches Pickens caused when he was in the Steel City. The talented wide receiver too often displayed lackluster effort and quit on his team. And his questionable responses to basic media questions didn't help.
Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, Pickens' monster performance in Week 16 comes a little too late, as Dallas was officially eliminated from playoff contention with a Philadelphia Eagles win over the Washington Commanders on Saturday night.
Pickens could be playing his final few games with the Cowboys unless they figure out a way to keep him around for the 2026 season and beyond.