Ben Roethlisberger Has Strong Questions For Steelers' Kenny Pickett, George Pickens "What Can Kenny Do Now That Defenses Know"

The Pittsburgh Steelers' answer at quarterback from 2004 to 2021 was Ben Roethlisberger. The Steelers won two Super Bowls and appeared in a third before Roethlisberger began to put up huge numbers in the passing game. Roethlisberger to Antonio Brown became a historic connection in the NFL, but unfortunately, it did not generate championships for the Steelers.

The Steelers drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and followed it up with wide receiver George Pickens in the second round. Both demonstrated in their rookie seasons that they have the potential to be outstanding professionals individually. The pair of second-year players also flashed the potential to be a special combination.

The latest episode of Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger was released on Monday night. Spencer T’eo and Roethlisberger took the show on the road for this episode broadcasting from Creekside Beer. Roethlisberger admitted he has not visited Steelers Training Camp yet, but is getting reports from Pat Freiermuth and other unnamed sources. Roethlisberger revealed his thoughts on the 2023 offense.

“The key is going to be Kenny Pickett,” Roethlisberger began. “I say that because this is year two. This is going to be for George Pickens as well. You can come out in the first year and kind of surprise people. A lot of people ask me how good is so and so at quarterback. I say ask me again in three years. They have to do it for three years before I tell you.”

Pickett struggled early in his tenure at quarterback. He improved dramatically throughout the season with experience and has become a media darling nationally after rave reviews about his spring and summer performances.

Pickens consistently showed all year that good things will happen if you throw the ball in his direction. He made what was arguably the catch of the year against the Cleveland Browns on Amazon’s Thursday Night Football on one of Mitch Trubisky’s best throws last season. Pickens's issue last season was more about Matt Canada’s game plan than his talent.

“Anyone can surprise someone after year one, maybe year two,” Roethlisberger continued. “What can Kenny do now that defenses know? Same thing with George. I’ve been around a lot of great receivers that had really good rookie seasons. Everyone knows about you now. What are you going to do?”

The second-year wide receiver has picked up where he left off last season. His training camp battles with rookie Joey Porter Jr. have been intense. Another spectacular catch by Pickens went viral after Brandon Wallace from SteelerNation captured it on social media.

The Pickett-to-Pickens connection will be a crucial metric in 2023 for the Steelers offense. Their success in maximizing opportunities will go a long way in improving the Steelers' red zone efficiency and ability to make big plays. Roethlisberger paid the duo the highest compliment when discussing their potential. 

"That connection could be unbelievable," Roethlisberger gushed. "The likes we haven't seen since Roethlisberger to Brown. That's my key takeaway. What is going to happen with those two guys?"

Roethlisberger to Brown was one of the most productive tandems in NFL history. The mere mention of Pickett to Pickens compared to that duo would be borderline hyperbolic if anyone else dared make the comparison. Roethlisberger's use of his connection with Brown is stunningly high praise coming from him. 

Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger Makes Stunning Admission On His Podcast To Kenny Pickett

It also demonstrates that his previous revelation when he had Pickett on his podcast earlier this year was not lip service. Pickett's play has converted Roethlisberger into a genuine fan of his successor. It was more than a calculated moment to gain national attention for his thoughts on Pickett. 

The Steelers open up the 2023 preseason on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mike Tomlin expects Pickett and Pickens to play based on his press conference on Monday. Fans will get their first look at the dynamic duo, albeit briefly. The real test comes when they open the season against the San Francisco 49ers a month from now. Judging by Roethlisberger's assessment, Steelers fans should be very excited to see what Pickett to Pickens will look like this season. 

What do you think, Steeler Nation? Are you shocked that Roethlisberger would trot out the comparison to him and Brown as a duo? Let me know what you think. Please comment below or on my TwitterX: @thebubbasq. 

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