Steelers running back has blunt response to George Pickens blocking excuse

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens continues to receive scrutiny for his perceived lack of effort on a key play in last Saturday’s game and one of his teammates is turning up the heat, intentionally or not.

Pickens was criticized for not bothering to block Indianapolis Colts cornerback Jaylon Jones on a play in Saturday’s game that may have cost running back Jaylen Warren a touchdown. On Tuesday, the wide receiver defended his lack of effort by arguing that he was trying not to get injured.

On Wednesday, Warren was asked about Pickens’ effort. While he was careful not to throw his teammate under the bus, Warren did say that he would have made sure to block for Pickens had the roles been reversed.

“I see where he’s coming from,” Warren said, via Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It is what it is. At the end of the day, he was doing what he thought was best for him.

“Some people play the game differently. If I was in that position I would have blocked for him. But we play differently.”

That is not exactly a ringing endorsement of Pickens giving up on the block. Warren was diplomatic about it, but there is no mistaking the message.

Pickens has been in hot water for a good part of the season over his perceived poor attitude on the sidelines. There is no doubting his talent, but his actions continue to hint at a me-first attitude that will cause problems.