Getty Picture / Sarah Stier
Each Pittsburgh Steelers season appears to be the identical recently. They play good protection alongside subpar offense, win between 8–10 video games, and in the event that they make the playoffs, it’s a primary spherical exit.
A lot of the issues might be chalked as much as poor quarterback play. The top of legend Ben Roethlisberger’s profession was not his finest, and since then, the group has struggled to seek out even league-average quarterback play.
The group drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett with the twentieth general decide within the 2022 NFL Draft out of Pitt to be the long-term answer on the place following Massive Ben. However, in two seasons, he hasn’t proven any indication that he has the power to be that man.
Kenny Pickett has simply 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 24 profession begins with the Steelers, and his landing charge is the bottom in NFL historical past amongst certified quarterbacks. Sure, he’s received 14 of these begins, however the Steelers’ offense has been terrible in principally each sport he’s began.
Pickett’s lack of manufacturing was magnified when Mason Rudolph got here in on the finish of the season after a Pickett harm and performed properly. The offense appeared a lot better underneath the veteran, placing Kenny Pickett’s job safety doubtful.
However, at Monday’s end-of-season press availability for group proprietor Artwork Rooney II, he gave a fairly large endorsement of Kenny Pickett, based on the official web site of the Pittsburgh Steelers.“We nonetheless be ok with Kenny Pickett and his future,” mentioned Rooney.“He is aware of he must work laborious to take the following step. We’ve talked about that. One of many issues I believe we like about Kenny when it comes to his profession was how laborious he labored, and he took a step yearly. We’re on the lookout for that to occur right here. That’s an necessary element of the following coordinator, ensuring he helps Kenny take the following step.
“With that being mentioned, can’t low cost what Mason did,” added Rooney. “Can’t low cost the truth that having competitors can be good for everyone. Mason got here in and confirmed, I believe, what we’re able to after we do get high quality play on the quarterback place. Recognize what Mason did. We’re interested by bringing Mason again.”
I can’t say I agree with Artwork Rooney II within the slightest. Kenny Pickett was a below-average draft prospect, and that’s the sort of quarterback he’s within the NFL. Mike Tomlin, one of many NFL’s finest coaches, deserves higher than to have downright terrible quarterback play.
