Steelers' George Pickens faces criticism after frustrations boil over during upset loss to Patriots

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Pittsburgh Steelers star George Pickens was visibly frustrated on Thursday during what ended up being a three-point loss to the struggling New England Patriots.

The Steelers offensive production has been widely discussed this season, prompting longtime head coach Mike Tomlin to move on from offensive coordinator Matt Canada earlier this season. Mitch Trubisky filled in for the injured Kenny Pickett, but the offensive woes continued. Pittsburgh only managed to score 18 points and produced less than 50 yards of total offense around the midway point of the second quarter.

Pickens did not have his best game on Thursday and finished the game with 19 receiving yards. After Pickens showed a lackluster effort during a running play, Tomlin appeared to deliver some "choice words" to the receiver.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

George Pickens, #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers, looks on from the sideline against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium on Nov. 2, 2023 in Pittsburgh. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

"Tomlin, I think, has some choice words for Pickens," play-by-play announcer Al Michaels said during the broadcast.

"Yeah, he's just communicating how important it is for him to show some maturity and keep fighting," commentator Kirk Herbstreit responded.

STEELERS’ KENNY PICKETT EXPECTED TO MISS TIME AS ANKLE INJURY NEEDS SURGERY: REPORTS

Herbstreit also suggested that Pickens' teammates would not be happy with the receiver's lack of effort on a play where he knew he was not getting the football.

"He’s kind of taking the play off," Herbstreit said. "I think it sends a message to me, to your team. I look at receivers