Steelers' George Pickens on Loss: Can't Play the Bills and Refs 'at the Same Time'

George Pickens wasn't happy with Monday's playoff loss or the officials after his Pittsburgh Steelers were eliminated by the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Wild Card Round.

"You can't play the Bills and the refs at the same time," he told reporters after the 31-17 loss.

Pickens might not have been pleased with the officials, but one of the most controversial calls of the game went in Pittsburgh's favor.

When things were going poorly for the visitors in the first half, it appeared as if Pat Freiermuth lost a fumble to give the ball right back to Buffalo. However, officials ruled that the Steelers would keep the ball because it touched Freiermuth's helmet.

Former official Gene Steratore explained the situation:

There was one moment involving Pickens that did not go in Pittsburgh's favor. While trailing by 14 in the final minutes, the Steelers went for a fourth-down play and threw it his way. The pass fell incomplete to all but end the game, although it appeared the defender wrapped his arm around Pickens' waist and could have been flagged for pass interference.

Pickens was likely still frustrated with that play when he made his comments.

Still, the Bills were the better team throughout the game. They jumped out to a commanding 21-0 lead and never relinquished their advantage. Even when the Steelers closed to within one score in the fourth quarter, Josh Allen responded with a touchdown pass to Khalil Shakir.

Allen threw for 203 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions while running for 74 yards and another score. It was a brilliant quarterback performance in less than ideal weather conditions and made much more of a difference in the outcome than the officials.

Regardless of how Pickens felt about it.