Slowly but surely, Pickett is maturing into a quality NFL quarterback.
The Pittsburgh Steelers look like a playoff contender again, thanks to the 2nd year QB out of Pitt, Kenny Pickett. Pickett started his rookie season with 2,204 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and a whopping nine picks. That isn’t unusual for rookies, considering that he started that season in Week 4 after Mitchell Trubisky was benched.
Pickett showed promise throughout his rookie season, with his best performance coming against the Ravens, chalking up 379 yards, two passing touchdowns, and driving the team to a final-possession score in a 17-10 win.
The team’s 2023 season has also been an up-and-down year. The Steelers struggled with line protection, including underwhelming performances from left tackle Dan Moore Jr. and center Mason Cole. The Steelers brought in Georgia rookie Broderick Jones to help out. Along the way, Pickett took hits and sacks and had to overcome what many believe is poor play-calling by Steelers’ OC Matt Canada. The team ranks last in the league in 1st quarter points and second to last in yards per game.
Despite obstacles, Pickett has managed to keep his team above .500, often adjusting play calls by audibling.
What has emerged is what fans had hoped–a new coming of Ben Roethlisberger, and that image came through in last Sunday’s game against the Rams. Pickett had 230 yards, a 68% completion rate, and a game-winning QB sneak.
Kenny Pickett is maturing at the QB position, and that’s bad news for North Division rivals and the entire NFL.
Outstanding review and commentary. Should consider going into television sports
reporting.