George Pickens was called for an illegal crackback block in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams last Sunday, a play that negated a 19-yard reception by WR Diontae Johnson and would’ve set the Steelers up with first-and-goal inside the 10-yard line. The penalty knocked the Steelers back and forced them to kick a field goal.
While Pickens had a solid day overall with five receptions for 107 yards, his penalties were an issue against the Rams, as he was also flagged for taunting later in the game. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Pickens was asked about what he learned and what he’ll if he’s in the same position to block a guy like that again.
“Now I know I’ll probably just stay away from a guy. I was trying to stop him from making a play, but I’ll stay away from a guy, he’ll probably make the play now, but when I’m blocking like that, I can’t really do nothing about it. I turned my back, but it was still nothing I could do about it,” Pickens said via video posted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on YouTube.
Even if it allows his opponent to make the play, it’s the sort of block that is always going to a penalty in today’s NFL. While it may have been something that flew years ago, with the NFL’s emphasis on player safety that sort of crackback block is almost always going to draw a penalty.
Pickens is a good blocking receiver when he wants to be. He can knock guys off the line of scrimmage and make plays in that aspect of the game as good as most wideouts. In this instance, he was just trying to do the same thing to help Johnson gain a few extra yards. It wasn’t an inherently dirty play, but it’s a play that is almost always going to be flagged.
It’s a tough thing to learn, to have to stay away from a defender instead of trying to get a body on him, as would be inherent, but Pickens knows now it’s something the NFL is going to look for and flag him for. Even if a block would allow a bigger gain in that situation, it’s not worth the risk of a flag. Don’t expect to see Pickens flying back into defensive backs to create space for a teammate anytime soon.
Watch the full media session with Pickens below:
