Mike Tomlin wants Steelers WR George Pickens to express emotions in 'professional and mature' way

Mike Tomlin doesn’t take issue with George Pickens’ competitive nature. He does wish the rookie wide receiver would express his frustrations in not such a public manner.

Pickens was caught by television cameras in the fourth quarter Sunday expressing his displeasure at not being targeted more frequently. He yelled at teammates as he walked toward the sideline while the punt team was coming onto the field.

Cameras showed Pickens mouthing an expletive during his brief rant.

“I’d rather say ‘Woah’ than ‘Sic ’em,’ ” Tomlin said Tuesday at his weekly press conference. “I want a guy that wants to be a significant part of what it is we do. Now the appropriate and professional and mature way to express that, we’re growing and working on, and we will continue to do that.

“But that spirit, that competitive spirit, that guy that wants the ball — I want that guy.”

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Pickens played 44 snaps in the Steelers’ 19-16 victory at the Atlanta Falcons, but he was targeted just two times and finished with one catch for 2 yards. He had the same number of targets as backup running back Jaylen Warren and slot receiver Steven Sims, who played a combined 38 snaps.

Pickens has 37 catches for 512 yards and has two of the team’s eight receiving touchdowns. No other receiver has more.

“I would imagine T.J. (Watt) wants to lay the quarterback down more,” Tomlin said. “We’ve got competitors. This is professional football. These guys know that they have to deliver, and so for a guy that wants to do that I’m not going to make that a negative no matter how silly I think the commentary is.”