Steelers Offensive Lineman Takes Blame For Hit That Concussed Kenny Pickett In Week 14

Since the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, he has already suffered two concussions in his young career. The first came Week 6 versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and most recently, the signal-caller exited a contest on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. He is questionable to play for when the team travels to play the Carolina Panthers in Week 15, but many players throughout the league have had a hard time clearing the new concussion protocol within seven days, let alone twice in one year as Pickett will have done if he plays this week.

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. He cleared concussion protocol which allowed him to make the start. | Peter Joneleit / Icon Sportswire / Getty Images

Ben Roethlisberger Confused By Why Steelers Rookie QB Kenny Pickett Was Cleared To Re-enter Week 14 Game

Many complained on social media about newly acquired linebacker, Roquan Smith's hit that resulted in the concussion. Roughing the passer has been a very confusing penalty to understand in 2021 and there have been far less serious hits that led to a flag being thrown.

Pickett entered the game for the possession following the sack, but then would oddly head to the locker room and not return to the matchup. The offense turned the ball over three times after his departure and lost a critical divisional game.

As always when a quarterback gets sacked and is hit hard, the question arises of who may be at fault. Offensive guard, Kevin Dotson has been the focal point of plenty of criticism throughout the 2022 season. The man to his left, Dan Moore Jr., also has many wondering if the organization will look to find his replacement come the off-season. Both were involved in the game-altering play, but former Steelers' guard, Ramon Foster put the blame on Pickett.

Pittsburgh Steelers guard Kevin Dotson (69) trains at Heinz Field during the Steelers 2020 Training Camp, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers

Dotson, however didn't see it that way. He spoke with the media this week and took responsibility for the vicious sack that knocked his quarterback out of the game. He got the play completely wrong which is what allowed the Ravens' defense to swarm in Pittsburgh's backfield.

"After I took my set, I saw Dan [Moore] coming my way. So I was like, ‘Dang, they must’ve said the other digit. Once I knew what it was, I knew where I messed up."

The lineman admitted that he must have missed a change in call at the line of scrimmage. He surely made it seem that no one else on the offense was at fault for the hit that knocked Pickett out of the game.

"That’s on me. We make calls that can be made for other calls, too. One digit off can change the whole play. So, I missed that digit. It made me go a certain way when I should’ve gone the other way."

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman, Kevin Dotson (#69) jogs on the field at Acrisure stadium during warmups before a 2022 regular contest against the New York Jets at Acrisure Stadium. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)

Dotson expanded on what went wrong in the pre-snap communication. He detailed that a certain number in a sequence is what will notify the offensive line how and where to block. The left guard believes he missed something.

"The middle number is the thing that can determine how an offensive line blocks in that particular play. It can change the whole play. So I have to listen harder for that."

 

Do you blame Dotson the most for the sack and Pickett's concussion? Let us know in the comments below!

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