Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers hype train. For weeks now, experts and analysts around the league have come around on the black and gold. Specifically, there seems to be growing optimism surrounding quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Entering his second season, reports earlier in the week were that he’s showing massive improvements in Pittsburgh this offseason.
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Head Coach Mike Tomlin will have his most talented Steelers squad in years, as the front office rejuvenated the roster this offseason.
With a successful 2023 NFL Draft and active free agency period, expectations are beginning to rise. Despite a difficult division and conference overall, many believe the Steelers have the talent to contend. Cowherd, who hosts The Herd on Fox Sports every weekday, is coming around on the idea of the Steelers. Specifically, he admitted that Pickett seems like the guy.
“I'm fired up for Kenny Pickett. I gotta be honest with ya, for a rookie, he was pretty poised. He is poised, he is more refined than your typical rookie. Absolutely a franchise quarterback. I'm interested in the Steelers. If the left tackle [Broderick Jones] can play, where aren't they good? They have no holes," Cowherd said on The Herd.
Just a year ago, quarterback and offensive line were the two major question marks on this team. Well, the line ended up exceeding expectations in 2022, as the five starters stayed together for all 17 games. Then, the front office made further upgrades on the line in free agency. Now, the group is seen as at least above-average by NFL standards.
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The Steelers invested heavily in the offensive line this offseason, as they will expect that group to take yet another step forward in 2023.
Broderick Jones could be a real difference maker, as Cowherd and his co-host Jason McIntyre point out. While Dan Moore Jr. isn't necessarily awful, Jones has the higher ceiling. The team traded up to select him 14th overall in the recent draft, and he'll now compete with Moore for the starting job. So far this summer, the fight for that left tackle job has been a dogfight, as the other four starting spots along the line seem to be set.
Who will Steelers start at LT?
As for the quarterback position, that seems to be figured out as well. While Pickett's first-year stats don't necessarily pop out, he showed plenty of attributes that gives optimism for the future. First and foremost, the moxie. He played with natural confidence and moxie from the moment he stepped foot on the field in training camp.
Perhaps most importantly, Pickett was able to show an ability to improve. He limited his interception count over the last few weeks, which led to more team success. Heading into 2023, with a year under his belt, bigger things are expected. The team has been thrilled with how he's looked in limited stints so far this summer. Cowherd did say that he doesn't know if Pickett is necessarily great, but just good may be enough for Pittsburgh.
Cowherd had similar thoughts of the team earlier this month. Listen here.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) continues to show signs of stepping up as a leader of the offense in just his second season in the NFL.
The University of Pittsburgh product was one of the highest rated quarterbacks over the last few weeks of the season according to Pro Football Focus. The team's quarterback play hasn't been great over the past few years. Leadership is one other aspect that Pickett expects to improve on in 2023. Last season, the team lacked an obvious leader on offense at times. While Mason Cole and Najee Harris seemingly took over that role in 2022, the team lacked a commanding presence at quarterback.
Where do you think the Steelers ultimately finish in the AFC North in 2023? Are the expectations getting too high at this point? With the 12th-easiest schedule, do you expect a playoff appearance, despite a difficult division and conference? Share your thoughts on these sentiments from Cowherd in the comment section below!
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