The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a tough 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football in snowy conditions, but much of the postgame discussion has revolved around wide receiver George Pickens. The fiery young star got into a heated altercation with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II after the final whistle, following a last-ditch hail mary attempt by Russell Wilson. While the on-field scuffle raised eyebrows, it also reignited debates about Pickens’ demeanor and impact on the team.
After the game, Newsome referred to Pickens as “fake tough,” fueling conversations about the receiver’s temperament. However, former NFL MVP Cam Newton stepped up to defend Pickens during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, emphasizing the importance of players like him to a team’s culture and competitiveness.
Newton’s Defense: A “Crash-Out” with Grit
Newton didn’t mince words in describing Pickens, praising his grit and calling him an essential part of the Steelers’ roster.
“He’s a crash-out. We love him. He’s the dog on the team,” Newton said. “Is he fake tough? No, he’s a dog—official dog. When I look at the health of a healthy team, there are certain things that you need. You need guys like George Pickens. They’re the very talented, rebellious guys that give you that grit and toughness.”
Newton elaborated that while players like Pickens bring much-needed edge and attitude to a team, balance is key.
“You can’t have too many George Pickens on your team because it can make the team undisciplined,” Newton added. “You need a great mixture of crash-outs or rebellious guys and choir boys. That’s what creates a winning formula.”
Pickens’ Rollercoaster Season
Pickens’ talent is undeniable—he’s had games where he looks like one of the best wide receivers in the league. However, consistency has been an issue. In some matchups, Pickens dominates defenses with jaw-dropping catches and physicality. In others, he appears to fade into the background, leaving fans questioning his reliability.
The same could be said for the Steelers as a whole. While their record has been respectable, they’ve struggled to establish consistency, especially against teams perceived as weaker opponents. All three of their losses this season have come against teams in the bottom half of the league standings. This inconsistency has left analysts and fans questioning whether Pittsburgh can be considered a true contender.
What’s Next for Pickens and the Steelers?
For the Steelers, the key moving forward will be harnessing Pickens’ fiery personality and immense talent without letting it boil over into unnecessary distractions. The loss to the Browns highlighted the team’s struggles with handling adversity, a pattern they must address to stay competitive in the playoff race.
Pickens, for his part, represents a high-risk, high-reward player whose energy can elevate the team when channeled correctly. Newton’s comments underscore that players like Pickens, while polarizing, are often the heartbeat of successful teams.
Whether Pittsburgh can find the balance Newton described will determine not just Pickens’ trajectory but the team’s fortunes in a competitive AFC. For now, the Steelers have a dog in Pickens—and they’ll need him to bark loudly, but wisely, as they push toward the postseason.
