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Mapping Out the Steelers' Path to Making Kenny Pickett a Franchise QB
Nov 29, 2022
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Kenny Pickett isn't a franchise quarterback. But he can be.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must do what's necessary to properly build around this year's 20th overall draft pick and place him in a position to succeed.
That's not currently the case, despite Monday's 24-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.
If anything, the win showed how far the Steelers are from being a consistently competitive team and how much the offense needs to improve, both schematically and from a personnel standpoint.
Outdueling an inept Colts offense led by a severely limited Matt Ryan isn't a feather in the Steelers' cap. Sure, any win is a good win. At the same time, both teams struggled throughout the contest, particularly when asked to move the ball with any regularity.
To Pickett's credit, the rookie pieced together a fine performance. He completed 71.4 percent of his passes for 174 yards, earned an 87.5 passer rating and rushed for 32 yards.
Those numbers may seem meager on the surface, but Pittsburgh's wide receivers dropped multiple passes after Pickett made accurate throws. His ability to extend plays also served as a critical component in extending some drives.
"He's getting better every week," Tomlin told reporters. "It's in a very natural way because of experience. He's a competitor. He's smart. But there is still a lot of meat on the bone. It's just a process.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks with quarterback Kenny Pickett during the second half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
"But like I always say, he's good enough, and we're good enough to win while that happens. So, we're not grading him or us on a curve. We acknowledge that he's very much in development. ... With each snap comes exposure. Sharp guys, guys that are competitors, grow from those things."
All in all, the first-year signal-caller played efficient football when he should have since the Colts continually utilized soft zone coverage and typically sent four men to rush the passer.
In fact, Pickett hasn't committed a turnover in three straight games, though he can do so much more if given an opportunity to do so. Right now, the entire offense is limited, and those issues don't necessarily fall at the rookie's feet.
The scheme is predictable, overly simplistic and uninspired. Head coach Mike Tomlin must find a replacement for offensive coordinator Matt Canada after this season.
"It was us giving them plays," Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt told CBS Sports just last week after his squad captured a 37-30 victory over the Steelers. "We knew what they were going to do. They like to do the same plays over and over."
Tomlin and Canada downplayed the comments through the squad's subsequent preparation for the Colts.
"That is what they [the Bengals] say when they're having success, and they don't say it when they are not," the head coach said. "I don't worry much about that. I focus on things that are in our control."
Canada said, "It was brought to my attention what was said. I've known Pratt since he was in high school. As you guys do all your investigating, sometimes there is more to stories. It is what it is. We didn't win the game. We were not good enough second half."
It turns out that winning or losing doesn't really matter in this instance, based on what occurred Monday.
A Colts defender was overhead during the telecast, yelling, "It's the same plays."
Unoriginality and lack of schematic creativity in a league built to favor offenses are completely unacceptable. The staff can admit to running "some repeat concepts" all it likes. Yes, all play-designers have their favorite calls.
But multiple opponents knowing what the Steelers are doing during back-to-back weeks is highly problematic, especially with a rookie quarterback trying to navigate those turbulent waters infested by sharks.
And if not for Indianapolis' own offensive ineptitude, the Colts defense played well enough to win the contest.
Nonetheless, a new system is only as effective as those on the field executing. Pittsburgh's issues with drops at wide receiver and inconsistencies along the offensive line remain stumbling points.
The investments at wide receiver have already been made, with Diontae Johnson signing a two-year, $36.7 million extension in August after drafting George Pickens in the second round. Two things should occur from this point forward.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catchs a 35 yard pass against Brandon Facyson #31 of the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
First, Pickens should be treated as the team's No. 1 wide receiver. The 6'3", 200-pound target has elite body control and ball-tracking skills. He's a typical X-receiver capable of a 100-catch season. Drops may rear their ugly head once in a while, but those can be forgiven, thanks to some spectacular grabs along the way.
Johnson may be paid like the Steelers' top wide receiver, but he's simply not consistent enough to be treated as anything more than a complementary piece—a very good one when things are going well, but a complementary piece nonetheless.
Furthermore, the Chase Claypool trade to the Chicago Bears opened the door for yet another wide receiver selection in the draft.
This time, the Steelers can concentrate on a reliable hands-catcher who can eventually serve as Pickett's security blanket. SMU's Rashee Rice, Boston College's Zay Flowers and North Carolina's Josh Downs are a few names to keep in mind as next year's draft cycle gains momentum.
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Indianapolis Colts sacks Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter in the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The previously mentioned prospects are currently projected as Day 2 options. Pittsburgh's top priority should once again be the offensive line.
Dan Moore Jr. may be only 24 years old, but he looks outmatched at times. A first-round investment in the premium position would go a long way to help Pickett in hopes of cutting down backside pressure.
Even with Monday's outcome, the 4-7 Steelers still find themselves in a logjam for a high draft pick. They currently own the 12th overall selection, according to Tankathon and should be in range for one of the top offensive tackle prospects, whether it's someone like Northwestern's Peter Skoronski or Ohio State's Paris Johnson Jr.
A new offensive approach with Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and Benny Snell in the backfield, coupled with Pickens, Johnson, another talented wide receiver and tight end Pat Freiermuth, as well as an upgrade at left tackle, should give Pickett everything he needs to be successful.
The Steelers don't have the next Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen behind center. Even so, Pickett can be good enough to help the team consistently win as long as he's placed in the right situation. As of now, he isn't.
The setup should drastically change in the coming months.
Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.
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George Pickens, Diontae Johnson's Updated Steelers Fantasy Value After Claypool Trade
Nov 1, 2022
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 16: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts as he runs onto the field prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Acrisure Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers alleviated their long jam at wide receiver by trading Chase Claypool to the Chicago Bears Tuesday for a 2023 second-round pick, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter and Field Yates.
Claypool's departure might be good news for fantasy managers with George Pickens or Diontae Johnson on their roster ahead of the second half of the season.
Johnson is the team leader in receptions (43) and receiving yards (372), though he still hasn't scored his first touchdown.
The PAIN leaderboard (through Week 8): (Most Total Yards without a touchdown) 1. Donovan Peoples-Jones - 419 2. Diontae Johnson - 394 3. Chris Godwin - 372 4. Marquez Valdes-Scantling - 366 5. Darnell Mooney - 364 6. Tyler Higbee - 312 7. Nico Collins - 305 8. J.D. McKissic - 268
Pickens has 26 catches for 338 yards and one touchdown in his rookie campaign.
Tuesday's trade doesn't catapult Johnson or Pickens into the elite tier of fantasy wideouts, but Claypool's absence means both players could see more targets each week.
Of the two, Pickens might stand to benefit more. CBS Sports HQ's Josina Anderson reported the Steelers "feel ready to give [Pickens] an expanded role."
The 2022 second-round pick went without a catch in a Week 8 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles but had 21 receptions for 273 yards and one score in his preceding four games. His stock was already trending upward as he steadily got more comfortable in Pittsburgh's offense.
Johnson's fantasy ceiling, meanwhile, still may not be that high without Claypool in the mix. He's only averaging 8.7 yards per reception in 2022, and he wasn't a big-play threat en route to making the Pro Bowl in 2021, either. He averaged 10.9 yards per catch while finishing with 1,161 yards overall.
Until Kenny Pickett takes major steps forward or the Steelers upgrade at quarterback in a big way, Johnson's fantasy boost after Tuesday could be marginal.
Pittsburgh is off in Week 9, so you'll have to wait before the impact of the Claypool trade is reflected on your squad. When the time comes to start Johnson or Pickens, both warrant flex consideration.
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Steelers' Kenny Pickett Says Game-Sealing INT vs. Dolphins Due to 'Miscommunication'
Oct 24, 2022
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett chalked up his game-sealing interception in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins to a "miscommunication" with wideout Diontae Johnson.
"Clock winding down, I wanted to give [Johnson] a chance to make a play. ... It's just a miscommunication," Pickett said after the game (51-second mark). "I thought he was gonna come back down. He ended up going vertical. I wanted to put it high and outside and give him a chance to make a play, but that's on me there. I gotta run it there and get outta bounds or just throw it out."
Noah Igbinoghene intercepted Pickett in the Dolphins' end zone with 25 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter on a play where the rookie quarterback had wide-open space in front of him to run for a first down on 2nd-and-2. It was the third pick of the game for Pickett, who has been turnover-prone in his brief NFL career.
The Pitt product has thrown seven interceptions in 127 pass attempts, giving him by far the league's highest interception rate (5.5 percent).
"I think there is some things to build on," Pickett said. "Turnovers, they can't happen. That cost us the game. I got to fix that. I'll be in there tomorrow working on it."
The Steelers, now sitting at 2-5, seem settled into a rebuilding season with Pickett at the helm. Coach Mike Tomlin also looks like a near-lock to have his first losing season in 16 seasons in Pittsburgh.
Allowing Pickett to have a trial by fire will either make him a better long-term quarterback or give the Steelers a leg up in deciding he's not the franchise face they hoped would replace Ben Roethlisberger.
There is clearly work to be done, both with Pickett's decision-making and his chemistry with receivers. As much as practice works as a good simulation, there's no replacement for Pickett getting on the field and making these calls in real time—even if they sometimes cost the Steelers a win.
NFL Twitter Slams Kenny Pickett as Steelers Offense Flounders in Loss vs. Dolphins
Oct 24, 2022
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to 2-5 on the season with a 16-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night at Hard Rock Stadium, and the team's offense, unsurprisingly, struggled again.
Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett completed 32-of-44 passes for 257 yards and one touchdown against three interceptions in his third NFL start. He also rushed for 20 yards on three carries.
George Pickens led the Steelers with six catches for 61 yards and one touchdown, while Najee Harris led the running backs with 17 carries for 65 yards.
Sunday's game was a winnable one for the Steelers, but the team's offense struggled to move the ball, and Pickett fell victim to being slammed by fans on Twitter following the loss:
Kenny Pickett does NOT scan the field or go through his reads....
The Steelers selected Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, but he hasn't lived up to his draft status, and he certainly doesn't look like the heir to Ben Roethlisberger's throne in Pittsburgh.
Entering Sunday's game, he had completed 45-of-70 passes for 394 yards and one touchdown against one interception in two starts, one of which was a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he threw for just 67 yards and one score in that game.
Of course, Pickett isn't solely to blame for Pittsburgh's offensive struggles, but it's quite clear he needs some more time to develop.
The Steelers will travel to face the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles next weekend.
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