Ben Roethlisberger says HC Mike Tomlin must get this Steeler 'under control'

The Steelers offense had its best showing of the season in the second half of its Week 7 win against the Rams. However, former QB Ben Roethlisberger wasn't entirely pleased with one of Pittsburgh's playmakers.

"We probably need to talk at some point about the negative plays by receivers in terms of unsportsmanlike conduct penalties," Roethlisberger said on his "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger" podcast. "George Pickens is an absolute animal. He's a game-changer. He's a difference-maker. You gotta get under control before it gets out of control, and you lose it forever."

Although it hasn't been an every-game occurrence, Pickens has been no stranger to being penalized. The second-year wide receiver plays with his emotions on his sleeve and is not afraid to let defenders know when he makes a big play.

In Week 7, he was penalized twice, one for a blindside block and another for taunting. However, the Steelers still got the win and Pickens finished the day with a team-leading five catches for 107 yards.

Head coach Mike Tomlin also said after the game that he's not concerned about the team's taunting penalties and that they just didn't "adjust accordingly."

However, Roethlisberger is worried it's a much deeper issue.

"You can't have those [penalties]. It seems like it's almost every week that we're having something like that happen," Roethlisberger added. "It hasn't hurt us yet. All it takes is one time."

Pickens will need to keep his emotions in check Sunday when the Steelers (4-2) will likely turn to him early and often when they host the Jaguars (5-2), who are allowing the second-most passing yards per game (273.9) in the league.