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Breaking: Former Steelers star George Pickens expresses frustration with the current team – “It seems like the Cowboys’ style of play is so different from the Steelers’, the silly mistakes that really make me helpless, if only….”

Update from the NFL has stirred heated debate as former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens openly expressed his frustration with the current state of his old team. Known for his raw honesty and emotional approach to the game, Pickens didn’t hold back when asked about the Steelers’ recent performances. His words were cutting and immediately went viral: “It seems like the Cowboys’ style of play is so different from the Steelers’. The silly mistakes really make me helpless, if only….”

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The statement struck a nerve with Steelers fans, media members, and even former teammates. For many, this was not just a casual comment—it was an emotional reminder of the challenges the Steelers have faced in recent seasons as they try to rebuild into a consistent contender. Pickens, now playing in a system where his skills are being highlighted, contrasted the polished style of the Dallas Cowboys with the chaotic errors that continue to plague Pittsburgh.

 

Pickens’ frustration was not entirely unexpected. During his tenure with the Steelers, he was known for occasional sideline outbursts and candid post-game remarks. However, this latest statement hits differently because it comes from outside the organization. By openly comparing the Steelers unfavorably to the Cowboys, Pickens reignited ongoing debates about coaching, play-calling, and the overall direction of the franchise.

Fans immediately jumped into the discussion on social media. Steelers supporters were divided—some defended Pickens, arguing that he was simply stating the truth about the sloppy execution that has cost the team close games. Others, however, blasted him for taking shots at his former team instead of focusing on his current career. Hashtags like #PickensComments#SteelersNation, and #CowboysComparison began trending within hours.

 

Inside Pittsburgh, analysts dissected his remarks. Some pointed to recurring penalties, turnovers, and missed assignments that have defined recent Steelers losses. “George may not have chosen his words carefully, but he’s not wrong,” one local reporter admitted. “The Cowboys, for all their flaws, look much more disciplined right now than the Steelers do.”

At the same time, former Steelers players voiced disappointment in Pickens’ public criticism. One veteran said, “It’s one thing to be frustrated when you’re on the team. But when you’re gone, you’ve got to let it go. Comments like that don’t help anyone.” Still, even among critics, there was acknowledgment that his words reflected broader frustrations shared by fans and insiders alike.

 

Current Steelers leadership has so far remained silent, perhaps hoping to avoid further fueling the controversy. Head coach Mike Tomlin, known for keeping the focus inward, is unlikely to engage publicly. But sources close to the team suggest that players in the locker room were aware of the comments and felt stung by the implication that their effort and professionalism were being questioned by a former teammate.

For the Cowboys, the unexpected compliment was welcomed by fans who celebrated Pickens’ acknowledgment of their team’s discipline and style. It added another layer of drama to the ever-growing rivalry between two of the NFL’s most storied franchises. Even though they don’t play each other every season, comparisons between the Cowboys and Steelers have always carried weight because of their championship histories and massive fan bases.

The incident also highlights a growing trend in the NFL where former players, thanks to social media and the 24/7 news cycle, wield significant influence over public perception of their old teams. One emotional quote can spark debates, divide fans, and even create unwanted distractions for the locker room.

For George Pickens, his latest remarks will likely follow him for the rest of the season. Whether intended as constructive criticism or simply raw honesty, they have once again placed the spotlight on him and rekindled conversations about the Steelers’ identity. For Pittsburgh, the message is clear: until the team can eliminate the “silly mistakes” that Pickens referenced, they will continue to face questions about whether their style of play matches the discipline and sharpness of the league’s top contenders.

As the NFL season progresses, all eyes will be on the Steelers—not just for their performance on the field, but also for how they handle criticism from those who once wore the black and gold.

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NFL Suspends Entire Officiating Crew Led by Craig Wrolstad After Controversial Finish in Seahawks–Buccaneers Game
October 8, 2025 – Seattle, WA The NFL has officially suspended referee Craig Wrolstad and his entire officiating crew following the explosive fallout from Sunday’s Seattle Seahawks vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup — a 38–35 thriller marred by a string of controversial calls that fans say “handed the game” to Tampa Bay.   According to official NFL.com and ESPN data, the suspended crew — known as Crew 12 for the 2025 season — consisted of: Referee: Craig Wrolstad (#4) – Lead referee, responsible for major penalties such as pass interference and roughing the passer. Known for high penalty frequency (13.5 penalties/game in 2024). Umpire: Brandon Cruse (#45) – Oversaw the line of scrimmage, false starts, and holding infractions. Down Judge: Danny Short (#113) – Marked downfield yardage and sideline progress. Line Judge: Brett Bergman (#91) – Responsible for out-of-bounds and boundary plays. Field Judge: Jeff Shears (#108) – Monitored coverage plays and pass interference calls. Back Judge: Rich Martinez (#39) – Focused on deep coverage and signaling calls. The decision came after widespread outrage over inconsistent officiating in critical moments, which many believe tilted momentum toward the Buccaneers’ comeback. The crew has been accused of enforcing rules unevenly and issuing “late, selective, and phantom calls” in the second half. 🔥 Controversial Moments Leading to the Suspension 1️⃣ Illegal Man Downfield (2nd Half, 3rd & 12 – Seahawks Drive)The Seahawks were flagged for illegal man downfield on a shovel pass to Kenneth Walker — wiping out a first down and forcing a punt. Moments later, Tampa Bay executed a similar play, but the flag was picked up after brief discussion, allowing their drive to continue. That drive ended in a touchdown by Rachaad White. Fans on X called it “ridiculous inconsistency,” arguing that the call was selectively enforced against Seattle. 2️⃣ Phantom Defensive Holding (4th Quarter – Bucs Comeback Drive)On 3rd down deep in Buccaneers territory, officials threw a late flag for defensive holding on Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, gifting Tampa Bay a first down that led to Baker Mayfield’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Sterling Shepard. Replays showed minimal contact, with analysts calling it “incidental at best.” PFF later graded the call as “incorrect.” 3️⃣ Late-Game Holding Calls (Final Minutes)As the game tightened, the Seahawks were penalized four times in the final quarter compared to Tampa’s one — including a questionable holding call after a tipped pass   and a weak illegal contact flag during Sam Darnold’s final drive. The penalties set up a deflected interception and the game-winning 39-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin as time expired. “Refs controlled the second half,” one viral post read. “That wasn’t football — that was theater.” The Wrolstad crew, which had officiated four of Seattle’s last five games, already had a reputation for overcalling offensive holding and inconsistent man-downfield enforcement. The Seahawks were 2–2 under Wrolstad’s crew entering Week 5. NFL Senior VP of Officiating Walt Anderson released a statement Monday night confirming the disciplinary action:   “The league expects consistency, accuracy, and fairness from all officiating crews. After a thorough review of the Seahawks–Buccaneers game, the NFL determined that multiple officiating decisions failed to meet our professional standards.” The entire crew will be removed from active assignments indefinitely, pending further internal evaluation. For Seahawks fans — and even some Buccaneers supporters — the suspension serves as long-overdue validation after what many called “one of the worst-officiated games of the season.” The debate over NFL officiating integrity continues, but one thing is clear: the fallout from Seahawks–Buccaneers has shaken confidence in the league’s officiating more than any game this year.