The Pittsburgh Steelers are heading into the 2023 season with significant momentum after an extraordinary preseason performance coming from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett showed why he deserves to be in the conversation among some of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL. Pickett led the offense to five touchdowns on all five drives he played in over the span of the Steelers' three preseason games.
Zach Bolinger / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett with wide receiver George Pickens.
Pickett struggled early on in 2022 during his rookie season, but showed signs of promise after the Steelers' bye week. He led multiple game-winning drives in the final stages of last season, which gave Steelers fans a lot to look forward to in his second season. All offseason, fans heard about the tremendous strides Pickett had made on and off the field to help lead the offense out of the league's basement.
It is clear Pickett and the rest of the Steelers roster have one thing on their mind, winning a Super Bowl. But in a recent interview on the Steel Here Podcast with Kevin Adams and Barstool Sports' Jersey Jerry, Jerry brought up how some Steelers fans and national media took shots at Pickett in the past and how that has all changed after a successful preseason. Pickett laughed it off and spoke on how he is focused on the season at hand.
"I don't get too involved with it. There's so much left to go and we have a full season ahead. Ask me at the end of the season. Hopefully we're sitting where we want to be sitting and we can have a different kind of discussion, but there is a lot of work to do until then."
Adams then asked Pickett if he noticed some of the "hate" on social media. Pickett shared how it comes with the position and that he is excited to get the 2023 underway.
"I've been called every name under the sun in this game. I'll still go out there feeling I'm the best on Sundays. I've been playing for a while now and you know, having a good career in college and now getting my NFL career started. It comes with the position, comes with the territory. If you're mentally weak, this game will eat you alive. I feel like I'm in a good place mentally and I'm excited to get going.
The Steelers Offense Is Set To Make Tremendous Strides In 2023
The Steelers are coming off of one of the worst offensive seasons the franchise has seen in quite some time. After only averaging 18.1 points per game in 2022, which was 26th in the NFL, Steelers fans can't help but be excited about what lies ahead for the offense after such a successful performance in the preseason.
The offensive line was the biggest hole on the offense a year ago and Steelers General Manager Omar Khan made that a point of emphasis this offseason utilizing both free agency and the NFL Draft to add starting-caliber talent to the offensive front. Offensive guard Isaac Seumalo and rookie tackle Broderick Jones were among two of the more impactful players the Steelers brought on this offseason.
Another positive heading into the 2023 season is that Pickett has had the opportunity to have a full offseason as the starting quarterback. Last year, he sat behind now backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky during the majority of camp which stunted a lot of his growth heading into his rookie season.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / x: @Jsko_photo)
Steelers quarterbacks Mason Rudolph (2), Kenny Pickett (8), and Mitch Trubisky (10) participate in drills in training camp in Pittsburgh, PA.
Now with a full offseason and camp, Pickett has been able to build chemistry with his receiving core and running backs. We have seen the dividends of that over the course of the preseason. Steelers fans can expect to see the biggest jump in Pickett's career from year one to year two and the keys to the offense are all his.
What do you think? Is Pickett poised to have a breakout season in 2023? What are you looking forward to the most from Pickett this season? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below!
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