Russell Wilson Defends George Pickens, Says Steelers ‘Got to Have Amnesia’ After Loss

Mike Chiari@@mikechiariFeatured Columnist IVJanuary 5, 2025

Joe Sargent/Getty Images

Quarterback Russell Wilson preached positivity despite the Pittsburgh Steelers suffering their fourth consecutive loss on Saturday night.

The Steelers fell 19-17 at home to the AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals, and while it was a tough night for the entire team, No. 1 wide receiver George Pickens struggled in particular.

Pickens finished with one catch for no gain and three dropped passes, but Wilson told reporters that he remains in his top target’s corner, saying:

“I believe in George. I believe in who he is, the player he is. He’s been a star for us all season. You know, he’s going to be a difference maker for us in the playoffs obviously, and I’m looking forward to that and what he can do—what we can do together. I’m not blinking on George. If anyone believes in him, I definitely do.”

NFL on ESPN @ESPNNFLA night to forget for George Pickens:

1 Rec
6 Targets
3 Drops
0 Rec Yards pic.twitter.com/EEk3G48rl4

After reaching the 1,000-yard mark in his second NFL season in 2023, Pickens failed to repeat in 2024, finishing with 900 yards and three touchdowns on 59 receptions.

He recorded 50 or fewer receiving yards in three of his final four games and missed three games in the month of December due to injury, meaning Pickens is entering the playoffs on a low note.

That can be said for the Steelers as a whole as well given that they were 10-3 and the AFC North leaders just one month ago.

Pittsburgh is still a playoff team at 10-7 despite four straight losses to quality teams in the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Bengals, but the Ravens surpassed the Steelers to win the division, and they now face perhaps the toughest road imaginable in the AFC.

Despite the Steelers’ recent struggles and the daunting task in front of them, Wilson stressed the importance of a simplified approach after Saturday’s loss, telling reporters: “We’ve got to have amnesia going into [the playoffs]. Just win the next play. Just win the next game. We’ve got to have the best week we can possibly have this week.”

As of now, the Steelers are the No. 6 seed in the AFC, and they are lined up to face the Ravens in the AFC Wild Card Round. They can move back up to the No. 5 seed if the Los Angeles Chargers lose to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday.

Assuming the Steelers remain the No. 6 seed, there is a distinct possibility they would have to beat the Ravens, top-seeded Kansas City Chiefs and second-seeded Buffalo Bills on the road to reach the Super Bowl.

Given that head coach Mike Tomlin’s team hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2016 season, it is difficult to envision them pulling off that feat.