Bill Cowher rips Steelers' George Pickens after latest controversy

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Bill Cowher ripped current Pittsburgh wide receiver George Pickens after Pickens admitted to not finishing a block in this past Saturday's 30-13 loss at the Indianapolis Colts because he didn't "want to get an injury." 

"It is disappointing to see and hear what George Pickens talks about," Cowher said during a Thursday appearance on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show," as shared by Dan Zaksheske of Outkick. "Culture is about commitment and sacrifice… I could never imagine a player at all not performing and giving everything." 

Specifically, Pickens didn't complete a block on a play that arguably should have resulted in a Jaylen Warren touchdown run at Indianapolis' Lucas Oil Stadium. Warren subsequently raised eyebrows when he told reporters on Wednesday that he "would have blocked for" Pickens in a similar situation. Warren added at that time that "we play differently, so..."

Also on Wednesday, current Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it known that a "work-in-progress" Pickens will play against the 8-6 Cincinnati Bengals this coming Saturday afternoon despite what happened in Indianapolis. Cowher indicated he would' have handled the situation and Pickens' status differently. 

"The one thing that should never be questioned is effort," Cowher continued. "That is very bothersome and I think there [has to be] consequences for that." 

Much has been made this month about the supposed poor culture impacting the Steelers, particularly during their surprising three-game losing streak that dropped them to 7-7 and has them beginning Week 16 on the outside looking in as it pertains to the AFC bracket of the postseason tournament. As of early Thursday evening, the ESPN Football Power Index gave Pittsburgh just a 4.0% chance to make the playoffs. 

As of Thursday evening, oddschecker listed the Steelers as 2.5-point home underdogs for Saturday's game against the Bengals.