Steelers Pro Bowler proves Pittsburgh has the blind leading the blind
The term "Locker room presence" gets thrown around a lot in NFL circles. Often misconstrued as another meaningless cliche, the term holds a lot of weight given the dynamics in background, status, age and other variables that humans in the NFL use to differentiate from one another. But mostly, it means having a sound leader, […]
The term "Locker room presence" gets thrown around a lot in NFL circles.
Often misconstrued as another meaningless cliche, the term holds a lot of weight given the dynamics in background, status, age and other variables that humans in the NFL use to differentiate from one another.
But mostly, it means having a sound leader, one that younger players can turn to in times of adversity or hardship. And while I appreciate Diontae Johnson trying to be that person for George Pickens' I'm not sure if he fits the bill:
Understandably Upset
"I know he's [George Pickens] probably frustrated, but part of my job is to tell him to keep his head in the game," Steelers WR Diontae Johnson told reporters after the game. "You never know when your opportunity is going to come and you can't let one bad play define you. So I'm always there for him, trying to keep his head in the game and keep his energy up, at the same time we need him. If your energy is down and the ball comes your way, you may not to be able to make a play. But he'll be fine."
Pickens has had his fair share of antics this year, primarily after the Titans game when he was seen leaving the field while the rest of the team celebrated Diontae Johnson's first TD reception in over two years.
He would then scrub his social media of anything Steelers-related, further indicative of the fact that he was unhappy with his target share.
And while Pickens didn't go to those lengths against the Patriots, it was obvious in both his body language and facial expressions on the sideline that he was upset, with QB Mitch Trubisky even addressing the situation postgame:
"I tried to talk to GP [George Pickens] on the sideline and obviously he's frustrated, we're all frustrated," QB Mitch Trubiksy told reporters after the game. "But we've got to get him involved more because he's a special talent. Once we figure that out, we'll be good. Everyone's got to manage their emotions, for us to be successful. These frustrations come up and everyone's frustrated, but I talked to him, now I'll give him some time then we'll come back tomorrow and go back to work. That's that's all I know how to do."
So while I appreciate Johnson's efforts to try and be a mentor to Pickens, this is the same player that just two weeks ago was getting blasted on social media for checking out in the middle of a game and showing "frustrations" that made Pickens actions look like a nonissue by comparison.
The WR room needs a qualified veteran to step up and command the room. Whether you want to call it selfishness, immaturity or diva behavior, that mentality among Johnson and Pickens in particular permeates through the screen.
And good on Johnson for trying to help. Hopefully he truly can be a mentor to Pickens. But actions tend to speak louder then words and his actions don't resemble as much.
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin contradicts himself with answer on controversial play
Here is what Coach Tomlin had to say about the play that ended the game.
