Steelers Signal-Caller Kenny Pickett Implies Offensive Playbook Has Expanded Significantly Since 2022 OTAs

Fans of the Pittsburgh Steelers are already probably aware at this point that the team's Organized Team Activities (OTAs) began on Tuesday. It's the first time in the new league year that most of the players on the current roster have gotten together all in one place in front of the coaching staff. There are a ton of new faces due to an offseason that saw massive retooling at several different positions. Their group in 2023 is going to look a whole lot different than it did a season ago and expectations are high after a solid end to the 2022 campaign.

Despite a 9-8 record, the organization failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Improvements are expected in all three phases of the game and the staff is getting the first look at the potential personnel for the 2023 season. One of the best parts of OTAs is the players being available to the media after most took months off talking Steelers football.

Second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett talked at 2023 OTAs for the first time as the surefire starting quarterback (at this time of year). Last season, he wasn't even in the top two on the depth due to only being drafted a month prior. Now, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph sit behind him and it is his show going forward. Many are looking forward to the signal-caller having a full offseason under his belt as the guy.

Steelers Offense Already On Track For Bigger And More Creative Season In 2023

Pickett spoke to the media Tuesday and wasn't very hesitant when talking about the difference between this year and 2022. It wasn't necessarily that now he's the top guy at his position, but more so in relation to how everything is setting up for the offense. It will be music to Steelers fans' ears.

"I went back and watched our last year's first OTAs. It's a different team, honestly. Not just players wise, but in terms of plays and how much we have in already. It's a credit to the coaching staff."

Pickett hinting at the fact that there are more plays already in Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada's system is exactly what many have come to expect for 2023, but it's refreshing that the starting quarterback is acknowledging it this early.

He continued commending the coaching staff and his teammates for working hard throughout the offseason. He went into detail about how much more advanced the playbook actually is compared to this time a year ago during his rookie year.

"Being here and working hard and guys showing up when they don't have to be. Going out there and doing what they have to do, putting six installs in, five installs, whatever we're at right now. We were only at one or two this time last year. Everyone was working hard. It was a good day."

That's an extremely big jump, especially to have that much more in place during the first day of OTAs. Canada probably doesn't listen to much outside noise, but there's no doubt that someone had a conversation with him about getting this offense up and running while expanding the opportunities to maximize the group's potential. It also proves an increased trust in Pickett and the young offensive core.

The Steelers offense started the 2022 season extremely slow out of the gate and it wasn't until the last month or so of the season that flashes of the true potential were apparent. If the unit has an opportunity to perfect several different installs and packages this early in preparation for the 2023 campaign, the group could surprise people and Canada could have all of the doubters apologizing.

Are you encouraged by what Pickett spoke about in regards to the Steelers offense? Let us know in the comments below!

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