George Pickens has an immediate answer for critics after a long week

It did not take long for Pickens to deliver a big play in Bengals-Steelers

It has been a very long week for Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens, who has been the focus of criticism following the team’s loss to the Indianapolis Colts.

It did not take long for Pickens to answer the critics on Saturday.

On the Steelers’ first offensive drive of the game — and their first passing play — the second-year wide receiver delivered a career-long 86-yard touchdown, with the throw coming from third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph:

This replay angle highlights how the receiver beat a press-aligned defender off the line, and then accelerated away from the Cincinnati defense for the game’s first touchdown:

Pickens drew heavy criticism after a video from last week’s loss to the Colts went viral. While the Steelers were in the red zone against Indianapolis, Pickens was spotted not blocking on a run from Jaylen Warren. Pickens’ defender helped stopped the Steelers running back short of the goalline, and while Pittsburgh scored on the drive, the lack of effort drew the attention of many inside the organization, as well as on the outside.

That led to interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner highlight that play, as well as a poor effort on an interception where Pickens failed to make a tackle, in front of the team.

It seems the message might have gotten through.