The success or failure of any team in the National Football League rests on the shoulders of their quarterback. A team can have all the talent in the world, but if they do not have a certain level of quarterback play they are not going anywhere. Looking for that level of play, the Pittsburgh Steelers took a chance on Kenny Pickett in last year's draft. If they want to get back to being a contending team, he must take a big leap in 2023.
Pittsburgh's quarterback situation was ranked as the ninth-worst in a recent article from Bleacher Report. (The Steelers were the only AFC North team to make an appearance on that list). Pickett's improvement as the season progressed was mentioned and that does seem noteworthy.
"To be fair, Kenny Pickett's play as quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers improved as his rookie season progressed."
The Steelers being on this list seems to be due to Pickett being fine, but unspectacular as a rookie. Completing 63% of his passes for 2,404 yards in 12 games is a solid first season. But the seven touchdowns to nine interceptions is an area that needs some work
There are quite a few areas that Kenny Pickett ranks at or near the bottom in and that needs to change. Yards gained per pass attempt and yards gained per pass completion are just two of the noteworthy numbers that need to take massive jump in year two for Pickett. If he is unable to do so that would point towards big issues down the line.
Even if Kenny Pickett does not ascend to superstar status, there is still a path to being a contending team. Pickett's supporting cast in Pittsburgh is good enough to carry their fair share of the load if needed. This is not the case for most quarterbacks as they often lack adequate help at the skill positions.There are plenty of quarterbacks who would love to have Najee Harris, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth around them. Pickett is good enough to make great use of the talent around him. He just needs to actually do it for the Steelers to return to prominence.
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