Steelers Insider Expects Most Important 2023 Change To Be Kenny Pickett's Complete Command Of The Offense

The Pittsburgh Steelers are building a powerful offensive line and seem like they are going to rely heavily on the running game in 2023. Despite the Steelers’ intentions in the running game, the success of the offense will still rest with second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett. If he takes a step forward, the Steelers will probably challenge for the division and the playoffs. Pickett has already demonstrated he has the “it” factor late in games, but 2023 will be about establishing a consistent level of production.

Colin Dunlap who is a 93.7 The Fan contributor, joined the The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller on Tuesday and told the president of the Pickett fan club Andrew Fillipponi that he came away from Organized Team Activities (OTAs) with a significantly different perspective on the Steelers quarterback.

“I had an observation today, it is Kenny Pickett’s birthday,” Dunlap stated. “I walked into practice, and you can only say so much. I mean this, there is nothing more boring than football practice in sports journalism. I walked into Steelers practice and I 1,000% mean this and asked who is the guy in charge? The leader of this football team. Kenny Pickett just looks it right now.”

Pickett was lauded for his leadership ability as a rookie last season as well. The situation was a little different as he worked his way up the depth chart during the summer. He eventually progressed to the second team when the Steelers opened the 2022 season and supplanted Mitch Trubisky after just three and a half games.

“It is way different than last year,” Dunlap continued. "He is just way more sure of himself. Between snaps, the way he communicates with people, to the way he walks on the football field. It is way different. If you landed in a spaceship and asked who is the leader out there? You would go number eight.”

The Steelers were trying to replace Ben Roethlisberger who spent 18 years as the franchise quarterback in Pittsburgh last season. Mike Tomlin did a solid job resisting the urge to play Pickett immediately, but when he did insert him in the lineup it took a few games to find the proper run/pass balance that would allow the rookie to thrive. After starting the season 2-6 overall and 1-3 under Pickett’s leadership, the Steelers turned it around to go 7-2 in the second half and narrowly missed the playoffs in 2022.

Steelers' Kenny Pickett And 49ers QB Brock Purdy Distinguish Themselves In The Class of 2022

There has been a lot of speculation about Pickett who was the only first-round quarterback selected in 2022. The Steelers’ opening day opponent, the San Francisco 49ers have tried to lay claim to the best quarterback in last year’s class with their seventh-round selection, Brock Purdy. Purdy had the luxury of playing in a Kyle Shanahan offense and made it to the NFC Championship game where he suffered a devastating injury. Both rookies were essentially game managers, but Pickett was handicapped by having to work with Matt Canada.

A significant step forward in leadership is important for the Steelers' offense, but it must be accompanied by a substantial rise in production. In 12 games last season, Pickett passed for over 2,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He finished with five touchdowns and one interception during the Steelers’ second-half run and a winning 7-5 record as a rookie.

Barring injury, Pickett should start 17 games for the Steelers. If he can improve his production to approximately 3,500 yards, 20-24 touchdowns, and protect the football with 7-9 interceptions, the Steelers' offense should be vastly improved and Pittsburgh will be playing postseason football.

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Will Pickett take a huge step forward in year two? Please comment below or on my Twitter @thebubbasq.