Steelers WR George Pickens voices frustration saying “it’s impossible to win” against Bills and Refs at the same time

Wide receiver George Pickens and quarterback Mason Rudolph, who replaced Kenny Pickett, have been phenomenal for the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout the last few matches of the regular season. After shocking the mighty Baltimore Ravens with a loss in the season finale, the incredible WR-QB duo secured the ticket to the playoffs for the team.

The Steelers were slated for a match against the Buffalo Bills to advance to the postseason. The match hit the headlines due to adverse climate conditions. Besides that, the Steelers playoff loss to the Bills also sparked a controversy due to several controversial things, and Pickens was vocal about it following the game.

George Pickens calls out NFL refs after playoff defeat

In the aftermath of a disappointing 17-31 loss against the Bills, George Pickens did not hold back in expressing his frustration with the officiating. He spoke candidly about what he perceived as crucial missed or incorrect calls during the game. The WR’s candid remarks shed light on his perception of how officiating influenced the outcome of the game.

“If you win a game like this, people are going to think what they’re going to think, so it’ll probably change a few perceptions. But like I said before, you can’t play the Bills and the refs at the same time,” Pickens said.

A specific incident that fueled Pickens’ dissatisfaction was the Myles Jack call. It was a pivotal moment that contributed to a Bills touchdown and extended their lead to 14 points with just over six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. The Steelers star scrutinized the call and urged viewers to reexamine the game.

“When you’re out there trying to make the plays you are personally and then they just take away calls. Throwing a clear pass over Myles Jack’s head. They called a PI – it’s not catchable. So just, politically, when guys go back and watch the game, watch the refs.”

Meanwhile, a call in the game actually favored the Steelers. In the first half, when the team was struggling, a potential fumble by Pat Freiermuth was reviewed. Officials ruled that the ball had touched Freiermuth’s helmet, leading to a favorable outcome for the Steelers. George Pickens concluded his first playoff game with five receptions along with 11 targets for 50 yards.

NFL officials under fire after awful Bills-Steelers game

The Bills-Steelers playoff game stirred another controversy due to a pivotal no-call during a fourth-and-3 attempt late in the match. George Pickens, targeted by quarterback Mason Rudolph, encountered what seemed like a clear foul by Bills cornerback Dane Jackson. The CB appeared to grab Pickens by the face mask and then employ a hold around his hip. It went totally unnoticed by the officials.

With the Steelers trailing by 14 points and only a few minutes left in the fourth quarter, the lack of a penalty on this crucial play essentially sealed their fate. Outrage ensued among Steelers fans, with many expressing frustration over yet another non-call. Many claimed the Steelers were being unjustly deprived of a fair chance in the game.

Fantasy Fanatics wrote, “Another no call for the Bills how is that possible. George Pickens completely turned around and held during his route. Steelers getting cheated out of this game.”

Even popular NFL analyst Skip Bayless shed light on the discussion with humor.

“Interference on the incomplete to Pickens. Maybe refs are afraid to throw flags in fear snowballs will be thrown at them”, Bayless wrote.

Meanwhile, big football pages slammed the league for their biased decisions. It even claimed the calls were missed to let the Bills advance to the postseason and have a Bills vs Chiefs showdown.

ML Football wrote, “I know the #NFL needs to have Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes & #Bills, #Chiefs rematch but tonight was an ALL TIME BAD performance by the reffing crew. Pittsburgh did not play their best but these refs screwed them, big time. This has become a weekly occurrence.”

However, the Bills actually overshadowed the Steelers on the field after securing a 21-0 lead early. They never relinquished the advantage before finishing with a 31-17 win. The Steelers indeed tried to fight back, but it was not just the day for them.