Steelers QB Russell Wilson defends WR George Pickens, says they're not 'far off' in red zone

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson echoed his head coach’s concerns on the Hail Mary pass intended for George Pickens on the final play of the loss at the Cleveland Browns last Thursday night.

The Steelers’ standout wide receiver was tangled with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome Jr. through the end zone, a scuffle that continued even after Wilson’s pass from the Cleveland 35 fell incomplete as time expired.

Where Steelers coach Mike Tomlin suggested that Newsome’s “actions had something to do with” Pickens not being in position to catch the desperation pass, Wilson repeatedly called it “an unfortunate situation.”

“Unfortunately, I believe he was pushed out,” Wilson said of Pickens after Wednesday’s practice at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. “He was trying to get to the spot I threw it to, and he got carried out of the end zone, unfortunately. He was trying to fight for the ball.”

Like Mike Tomlin yesterday, Russell Wilson blames Browns DB Greg Newsome for George Pickens not being involved in the Hail Mary last Thur b/c GP was skirmishing with Newsome

(as asked by ⁦@KevinGormanPGH⁩!) pic.twitter.com/uz8SdoBUdH

— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) November 27, 2024

Wilson didn’t just absolve Pickens of blame on the Hail Mary but also shared his support for the mercurial wideout, whose four receptions for 48 yards included a 31-yard pass play in the 24-19 loss at Huntington Bank Field. Pickens leads the Steelers in receptions (52) and receiving yards (776) this season.

“We’ve got such belief in George,” Wilson said. “He’s proven that with what he’s able to do for us. He’s one of the world’s best at what he does. I’m glad he’s our teammate.”

Wilson also touched on another hot topic by addressing the Steelers’ struggles in the red zone. After going 0 for 4 in the 18-16 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 17, the Steelers endured a stretch of seven scoreless quarters and were 1 for 2 inside the 20 against the Browns.

The Steelers (8-3) rank 30th out of 32 teams in red-zone efficiency at 44.7% this season heading into Sunday’s game at the Cincinnati Bengals.

“We have to stay on schedule on first and second down,” Wilson said. “I think that’s the biggest thing. It’s always about playmaking down there. We’ve got to make plays. We’ve got to find plays. I don’t think we’re far off. I definitely don’t think that. We played two tough games the past two weeks. I believe in us and how capable we are, and I’m looking forward to the next six-plus games.”

The 13-year veteran believes he can draw from his past experience, especially with the Seattle Seahawks, to bring a winning mentality to finding ways to score touchdowns inside the 20.

“That’s the big thing with red zone football. It’s the same thing with third downs, the mentality and the game in general: You play the next play,” Wilson said. “That’s where the most important thing is that we’ve been fortunate to win a lot of games. The reality is that if we light up the red zone, we’ve really got a good chance to do something special. That’s what we’re looking forward to. We’re looking forward to the success there.”