Pittsburgh Steelers fans and the entire NFL got a glimpse of what quarterback Kenny Pickett is capable of towards the end of the 2022 season. In his rookie season, the signal-caller wasn't at his best early in the campaign when he took over for Mitchell Trubisky at halftime in a Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets. It wasn't until after the bye week in early November that the offense began to click under Pickett's leadership. The team finished the year on a 7-2 run after the break and expectations are a bit higher for 2023 because of that.
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach, Mike Tomlin looks on during training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA in July 2022. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
While some have overlooked Pickett and his potential, he could be poised for a breakout year. No one should compare him to Josh Allen just yet, but the Buffalo Bills star took a huge leap in his sophomore season after a subpar first year at the professional level. Pickett has the potential to be a star and has the pieces around him to tap into his talent.
NFL Total Access did a segment on Wednesday evening with analysts, Michael Yam and Adam Rank along with host, MJ Acosta-Ruiz. The question that was asked was related to Philadelphia Eagles' talented signal-caller, Jalen Hurts. It was simple: 'Which QB will take a Hurts' type of leap [in 2023]?' Out of all the potential options, Rank focused on the Steelers' now-franchise quarterback.
"I'm gonna go Kenny Pickett. How about that internet," Rank joked. "At the end of last season, [he] was one of the better quarterbacks. Obviously, the first couple weeks, not strong, not solid. You started to wonder if the Steelers made a mistake in picking him."
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) meets with the media after practice at the team's South Side facility in Pittsburgh, PA. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
It wasn't an incredible start for Pickett, but that's expected out of most rookies, especially ones who didn't have a ton of first-team reps throughout training camp. Rank was impressed with how his initial season in the NFL finished.
"But, over the last eight games he went 6-2, but the most important thing to me was that he started to limit the mistakes. [He] did not throw any interceptions. His touchdown to interception ration was way better, 5-1 [and] they were winning games."
Rank didn't stop there. He went on to compliment the group that Pickett has around him. The Steelers have a solid unit of pass catchers and if the newly revamped offensive line lives up to expectations, the rest of the league is going to need to take notice.
"And, he's got a pretty good receiving core. Diontae Johnson gets overlooked a lot. We saw George Pickens play pretty well. Hopefully they'll upgrade the offensive line just a little bit."
Steelers wide receiver, George Pickens stands on the field at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA during his first training camp with the organization in 2022. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Could Be An Under-The-Radar Team To Watch In 2023
Rank finished his analysis by not only doubling down on his belief in Pickett but the Steelers as a whole. Don't be surprised if Mike Tomlin's team has a much better season than expected.
"I think Kenny Pickett and this Steelers team is going to be ready to make a little bit of a run this year."
Yam hadn't said a word while Rank detailed his reasoning, but he was in agreement with his counterpart. The second year for any quarterback is arguably much more important than the first.
"I really do like that. You're right. People expect quarterbacks to come out year one and [have] instant success. We saw that transition as the season went on. Not bad."
Do you think Pickett has the ability to take a huge jump in 2023 and potentially lead the Steelers to a Super Bowl like Hurts did for the Eagles in 2022? Let us know in the comments below!
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