As Shannon Sharpe watched the Pittsburgh Steelers slide into the playoffs with a four-game losing streak, she didn’t hold back when it came to Mike Tomlin, George Pickens or the state of the Steelers heading into the postseason. Sharpe analyzes the team’s recent performance, in which Pickens finished with one catch, zero yards, six targets and three drops, and believes this marriage is headed for divorce.

“I love it when they punish bad behavior,” Sharpe said, referring to the Football Gods on his Nightcap podcast with co-host Chad Johnson. “Tonight they punish George Pickens. And I love it. Yes, sir. And I’ve told you about it from day one. I’m saying, you know what, Mike Tomlin, you condone George Pickens’ behavior. When you win you tolerate things that you would never do when you lose.”

Tomlin seemingly stood up for Pickens at every moment. Whether it was questions about his deployment, his routes or any moments of immaturity, Tomlin gave him a public pass.

Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson have discussed the situation all season. They often focused on the headlines outside of football and debated whether Picken’s talent was worth the effort. Pickens was clearly the team’s best receiver and played his worst game of the season and arguably the worst of his career. Earlier in the game, he failed to land a deep downfield pass on third down, and later dropped two more downfield passes.

Since the 1992 target, Pickens is the first Steeler to finish a game with at least six targets and zero yards.

“George Pickens basically lost the game tonight because he was terrible,” Sharpe said. “He was terrible.”

After the game, QB Russell Wilson defended Pickens and made it clear that his confidence in him has not wavered. But not even Johnson, who has defended Pickens all season, could improve his performance this time.

“What can I say? He had a bad game,” Johnson told Sharpe. “He needs to see this movie. He must have a better understanding. And you can’t act like that.”

Some bad news at the end of his third regular season: Pickens may only have one game left before entering his first offseason eligible for a contract extension. Sharpe is likely looking for a big deal that could total $30 million per season, but doesn’t think Pittsburgh can entertain that idea.

“I don’t think you can win with him. I want someone else to win. I want him to grow with someone else.”

Shannon Sharpe pointed out how the story ended for so many other Steelers receivers who were full of talent but difficult to manage. Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool all shared the same fate. Traded.

“Because that behavior and his play doesn’t overcompensate for his behavior,” Sharpe said.

When Johnson agreed that Pickens was not at the talent level of Randy Moss, Sharpe reiterated and said the team had to let him go.

Pickens finished his season with 900 yards and three touchdowns. Missing three games with a hamstring injury didn’t do his performance any favors, but unless he has a super playoff game, he won’t be entering the offseason in a position of strength.

“I think this game should force George Pickens to evaluate himself…he dropped everything. Those balls were in his hands and he dropped them. You know what it is, Ocho, when he gets into a state of despair, he can’t get out of it. Do you know why? He’s not strong enough up here,” Sharpe said, pointing to his head to indicate that Pickens is mentally weak.

Still, Pickens has gotten away with his antics because the Steelers need him so badly given his options other than wide receiver. If the team wants to replace him, they have to bring a lot of talent into the position to compensate. Deciding Pickens’ future won’t be the team’s most immediate decision, as quarterback will be resolved first. But it could be their most consequential decision of the upcoming offseason, which could begin a week from today.