“I’ve taken ownership of the offense” Steelers QB Kenny Pickett

Published June 22, 10:31 EDT
by Bo Marchionte

Pittsburgh – Since 2004 only three different quarterbacks have led the Pittsburgh Steelers in passing. Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph, and current starter Kenny Pickett. The second-year signal-caller entered last season behind Mitchell Trubisky until the team’s troubling 1-3 record thrust Pickett into the starting role in Week 5.

Pickett would finish with a 7-6 record as the starter in Pittsburgh and like many other rookies that have come before him. He faced the trials and tribulations that come with making the jump from the collegiate to professional level.

This time last summer he was clearly behind Trubisky heading into the season opener. A veteran and former second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Trubisky was getting another crack at being the No. 1 quarterback. He was the benefactor of those precious first team reps as Pickett nestled into the No. 2 role. Now Pickett is the one earning those valuable reps that help create chemistry with his skill players. 

“All that stuff is really important,” Pickett said of getting acclimated to the enviorment as the starting quarterback for the Steelers. “That’s why reps and practice reps are so important. So, in the game no one is thinking. We’re just playing loose and free. That’s what we are working towards, and I think we’re headed in that direction.”

An optimistic approach to the upcoming season is a fair assumption for the team. Pickett, the only quarterback selected in round one last year’s NFL Draft, started his career with a 1-4 record and tossed seven interceptions in his first five appearances (four as the starter). During his final season at Pitt, Pickett attempted 497 passes and threw only seven interceptions in his final college season, in which he was named First-Team All-American and the ACC Player of the Year. Uncharacteristic of the traits that led Pittsburgh to draft Pickett. 

Over the course of his last eight games, the quarterback with numerous accolades in 2021 was beginning to shed light on the player he could become. Pickett helped Pittsburgh achieve a 6-2 record over his last eight starts and threw just one interception along with five touchdown passes. That is why expectations, although sustained, remain ready to burst for Pickett in year two of his young NFL career. 

Pickett is wasting little time, entrenching himself as the franchise quarterback Pittsburgh envisions him to be, by taking command and seizing the title as starting quarterback for the Steelers. 

“Yeah, I’ve taken ownership of the offense and voicing my opinions on what I feel like we’re good at and what we need to work at,” Pickett said after minicamp practice. “Everyone is working towards the same goals. I think we are having a really good spring so far.”

Pittsburgh has a plethora of options at Pickett’s disposal. Receiver’s Diontae Johnson and George Pickens are legit top NFL targets in their offensive attack. Tight end Pat Freiermuth resides near the top of his position. Running back Najee Harris finished third on the team last year in receptions (41), proving to be more than effective catching the ball out of the backfield.

Then the gadget type players enter the fray. Pint sized receiver Calvin Austin is listed at 5-foot-9 but stands as tall as me (5’6) at 162 pounds. Undersized tight end/fullback Connor Heyward has exhibited quickness throughout OTAs and minicamp as both players enter year two looking to establish themselves in the offense.

On the opposite of the side of the size spectrum lies 6-foot-7 and 264-pound rookie tight end Darnell Washington. So many possibilities for Pickett to choose from as he aims to create his own identity in Pittsburgh. 

The mismatch capabilities for Pickett to exploit opponents should be there for the taking. Without a doubt there are enough mouths to feed to keep him busy while surveying the field in 2023. Pickett recognizes his weapons and acknowledges a well-balanced offense could be the key towards success in Pittsburgh.

“I think are balance right now,” is why the Steelers are headed in the right direction offensively, Pickett said. “I think we run the ball really well. I think the play action game coming off of it and our receivers that we have singled up on the outside is going to cause some problems. I think if we stay balanced, we will have some success.”