NBC Sports Critical Of Steelers QB1 Kenny Pickett; Labels Him As "Not Really" Clutch

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett is set to enter his first full season as the team's starting quarterback. Just a year ago, Mitch Trubisky began the season as the QB1. Pickett took over in the Week 4 loss to the New York Jets, and the offense looked better with the 2022 first-rounder under center. While his 2022 numbers don't pop off the stat sheet, the University of Pittsburgh product showed huge signs of growth.

At this point, there's no question as to whether or not he's the future, long-term answer at quarterback. Many people expect a Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen-esque Year 2 jump for Pickett. Several elite quarterbacks have taken their lumps as rookies, only to take a huge step forward in their sophomore campaigns. Rivers McCown of NBC Sports evaluated the Steelers offense when it comes to fantasy football, and he's not exactly high on Pickett.

"Was Kenny Pickett clutch? Not really. He had a minus-14.7% DVOA on throws in the fourth quarter and overtime. Did his arm open up the offense? Not really. Pickett’s 21.8% DVOA on deep passes was the second-lowest of any quarterback with 50 deep attempts on the season, ahead of only Kyler Murray. Did he perform well in the red zone? He had an NFL-worst minus-141 DYAR on his 61 red zone attempts."

Apparently, he didn't watch the thrilling Week 16 Christmas Eve matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. On the night of the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception, Pickett made it an evening to remember. It was an ugly game for most of the night, as the two teams faced off in frigid temperatures. Then, the quarterback rallied the troops for an impressive final drive. 

He threw a touchdown strike to George Pickens with :46 seconds remaining, which ended up being the difference. Just a week later, the rookie quarterback managed to do the same thing. In a heated AFC North battle against their rival, the Baltimore Ravens, Pickett evaded pass rushers for a game-winning touchdown throw to Najee Harris. That doesn't exactly seem to be "not really" clutch, but who knows.

Is Steelers QB Pickett being overhyped?

If you're a fantasy football fan, you know that it's almost that time of the year. Plenty of leagues have already held their drafts, and based off FantasyPros, Pickett is currently being drafted as the QB23. He sits behind names like Jordan Love and Kyler Murray, who is still recovering from a torn ACL. He didn't put up big fantasy numbers by any means in 2022, as threw more interceptions (9) than touchdowns (7) in 13 games.

So why should people expect a step forward in Year 2? Well, the offense around him got better. Most specifically, the offensive line should be a bit better, particularly with left guard Isaac Seumalo stabilizing the interior. Pickett did show growth in 2022, as he cut down on the turnovers in the last few weeks of the season. Based off their current ADPs, McCown doesn't like any Steelers player in the passing game other than tight end Pat Freiermuth.

"For me, outside of Freiermuth, this passing game is a full-on fade at the current ADPs. I didn’t believe much in Pickett as a prospect -- something that was borne out by him falling deep into the first round -- and nothing I saw in year one has convinced me otherwise."

On Thursday, NFL Madden 23 released the tight end ratings. Freiermuth slotted in with a respectable 85 overall, which is eighth-best amongst NFL tight ends. He is tied with Patrick Peterson for the fourth-highest rating on the Steelers in the new video game. For the other offensive players, specifically Pickens and Pickett, they could be league winners for your fantasy league.

What was your favorite moment from Pickett's up-and-down rookie season? Do you think he will take that next step in 2023? Do you agree with these comments that the Steelers quarterback isn't clutch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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