It has been tough to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers offense the majority of the 2022 season. They are in the bottom five in multiple statistical categories and while rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett starting is an exciting and potential look at the future, it hasn't been pretty. The team lost another embarrassing game, 35-13 to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday and the signal-caller threw the ball 38 times while just passing for 191 yards and an interception. Former Super Bowl winning coach, Bill Cowher went on record after the contest calling out the organization's handling of Pickett in his first season.
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Coach Bill Cowher of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches his team against the Carolina Panthers on December 17, 2006 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Steelers defeated the Panthers 37-3. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Cowher is extremely worried about the Pickett's confidence early on in his career and isn't a fan of the way the offense has been called since he replaced veteran, Mitch Trubisky earlier this season.
"You're transitioning into a new quarterback, okay, and right now I get worried about his confidence because I've seen this happen to other quarterbacks."
Bill Cowher calling out the Steelers handling of Kenny Pickett. Wow. pic.twitter.com/GFsX1T9BUq
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Pittsburgh surprisingly ran the ball effectively in Philadelphia, especially undrafted rookie running back, Jaylen Warren. The offense had 24 carries for 144 yards and although they were trailing the majority of the game, 38 throws to 24 runs isn't a recipe for success for a young quarterback.
"Take the ball out of his hands. Don't ask him to do as much as you're asking him to do."
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 23: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) make a throw on the run during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The strength of Mike Tomlin's team is the defense and Cowher acknowledged that the Steelers' coaching staff needs to understand that and create a game plan that maximizes that group's efforts. It's hard to do that with consistent three and outs.
"It's about a philosophy on offense that says 'listen, what's the best part of your team?' It's going to be your defensive side. That's worn down after a period of time. There's no margin for error there," Cowher said. "You have to somehow shorten a game with that quarterback and it goes back to running the ball. I'd put him back there under center. Don't put him back there to get sacked six times [on Sunday]."
The team's playoff hopes are dwindling each week, but the more important part about the rest of the season may be allowing Pickett to build confidence and gain trust in the offensive game plan. The former coach is thinking about the future and not this season alone.
"What's in the best interest is to develop this quarterback, who's your quarterback of the future, without destroying his confidence," Cowher said.
The offense hasn't produced for the last two seasons under offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. One could argue that there was only success in the fourth quarter a year ago when retired legend, Ben Roethlisberger was able to call his own plays and outsmart the defense. The Steelers don't currently have that veteran experience to get away with it this year and it's showing. Cowher is absolutely right in ripping the game plan and approach to Pickett. He needs to learn and get better, but also believe in himself for years to come.
Do you agree with Cowher's comments about the team's handling of Pickett in his first season? Let us know in the comments below!
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