After 18 years with a consistent starting quarterback, the Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves in unfamiliar territory heading into the 2022 NFL season. For the first time in 18 years, the Steelers were responsible for finding their new quarterback, as Ben Roethlisberger announced his retirement. Roethlisberger put together a Hall of Fame-caliber career with two Super Bowl victories and six Pro Bowl appearances. The Steelers took full advantage of having Roethlisberger at the helm and didn't consider a contingency plan until the last possible moment.
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Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger, walks off Heinz Field for the final time in his career.
It was never expected that Mason Rudolph would be the next leader of the offense. Though historically in Pittsburgh, Mike Tomlin values in-house talent and calls on the next man up, this wasn't the case at quarterback. To make matters even more challenging, the 2022 NFL Draft was considered a weak quarterback draft class. Kevin Colbert and company opted to sign Mitch Trubisky, but all along, the University of Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett was in the back of their mind.
On night one of the draft, 15 teams passed up on Pickett, including quarterback-needy teams such as the New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks and the Houston Texans. This put the Steelers in the perfect position to draft their next-door neighbor, Pickett.
It didn't take long for Pickett to surpass Rudolph on the depth chart. By Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills, Pickett had beaten out Trubisky and earned his first start. After throwing eight interceptions in his first five games and falling to a 2-6 record, the rookie quarterback impressively smiled in the face of adversity. Following the bye week, Pickett led the Steelers on a 7-2 run and solidified Tomlin's 16th winning season as head coach.
Karl Roser Pittsburgh Steelers
Kenny Pickett (8) Throws Pass Against The Baltimore Ravens
The Future For The Steelers Falls On Pickett
Heading into the 2023 NFL season, the expectations are high for the Steelers to pick up where they left off. All eyes are on Pickett entering his sophomore season, as the future of the young offense is in his hands. Teammates and coaches alike have had nothing but positive things to say about the quarterback's poise, work ethic and potential. While they searched long and far for the future of the franchise, it turns out he was right next door all along.
With the AFC North being as competitive as ever, the Steelers are heavy underdogs against the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens. That being said, the hype is beginning to build. After a strong 2022 finish and an impressive offseason, the Steelers are becoming a more and more interesting team.
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Steelers free agent addition, Patrick Peterson
One of the key additions that Omar Khan orchestrated this offseason is cornerback Patrick Peterson. Peterson, an eight-time Pro Bowler and three-time First Team AP All-Pro is reaching the end of an impressive career. The cornerback feels that his work isn't done, however, until he hoists a Lombardi Trophy. Peterson took to The Jim Rome Show to talk about how the Steelers have all of the right pieces to win a championship and that it comes down to one key component.
"Now it's all going to come down to how well Kenny can play and can he put the ball where it needs to go. I believe he is a guy that we can rely on, a guy that we can count on. Now it's all going to fall on him if he can go out there and show us what he's capable of doing."
Peterson went on to talk about how Pickett sets the tone and leads by example day in and out. Though Pickett isn't shy to push himself, Tomlin isn't shy to hold him accountable either. Tomlin expects great things from the young quarterback and isn't afraid to put the pressure on.
Pickett is in good hands with the Steelers. As heard by the "Kenny" chants echoing throughout Pittsburgh before he made his NFL debut, the city believes in their quarterback. Though the stakes are high for Pickett this year, he's as confident as ever approaching year two. What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Does Pickett have what it takes?
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