Steelers' Kenny Pickett Receives Cringeworthy Critique From Colin Cowherd: "B- At Everything"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in the midst of diverse opinions when it comes to evaluating their young quarterback, Kenny Pickett (a former standout from the University of Pittsburgh). The Steelers placed their bet on Pickett, drafting him 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, with hopes that he would be the one to follow in the footsteps of legendary Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and lead Steeler Nation to their seventh Super Bowl victory celebration.

However, Pickett's early NFL performance has been kind of confusing to dissect. In his 21 games as a Steeler, he's completed 62.4% of his passes, throwing for 3,894 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Notably, his touchdown-to-interception ratio stands out, and not in a good way.

Yet, there's one aspect of Pickett's game that has caught the eye of Steelers fans and made the debate on Pickett so challenging: his remarkable ability to shine when the game is on the line. In the fourth quarter, it's "Pickett time," as he's led the Steelers to seven game-winning fourth-quarter drives and six fourth-quarter comebacks. His clutch factor, that intangible quality that can't be taught, sets him apart despite his other offensive struggles. 

Additionally, Pickett had to face his rookie season with an offensive line that didn't perform at its best and dealt with the challenge of adapting to a questionable offensive coordinator in Matt Canada. These circumstances provide reasonable explanations for his initial struggles. Now in his second season, still dealing with Canada, but a much improved offensive line, we still have not seen Pickett dominant through the air.

A popular debate sparked on X (formerly known as Twitter) this week as the impressive Houston Texans rookie CJ Stroud now has thrown for more touchdown passes than Pickett. What makes this even more notable is that Pickett has played in 21 games compared to the 8 that Stroud has under his belt. 

It's also important to point out that Stroud dominated the Steelers on October 1st, throwing for 306 yards and two touchdowns. The Texans beat the Steelers 30-6 in a game that Steeler Nation is trying to forget.

Steelers' B- Quarterback

Enter Colin Cowherd, the renowned sports commentator who never seems to hold the Steelers in the highest regard. Cowherd, in a recent episode of his show The Herd, didn't shy away from expressing his doubts about the young Steelers quarterback.

"The Steelers, loyal to a fault, are going to ride the local guy, Kenny Pickett, for years to the very end, like they did with Big Ben. They’re going to convince themselves we’re going to get there. Big Ben’s last seven, eight years, fairy tale. Nobody bought it except you. And nobody thinks Kenny Pickett’s got the arm, the juice, the 'it,' nobody because he doesn’t. He was a third-round pick they reached on because they were desperate at quarterback because Big Ben scared them every time they considered drafting his heir apparent. And so they’re left with a nice kid, a local kid who’s a B- at almost everything."

This remark by Cowherd reflects the frustration some fans and analysts have expressed regarding Pickett's performance, especially in comparison to the legendary Roethlisberger. While some would agree with Cowherd's critique, it's essential to remember that the quarterback usually carries the burden of blame when the team loses and reaps the rewards when the team wins. Pickett, for better or worse, has become an easy target for criticism in a Steelers offense that boasts significant talent, but hasn't fully materialized into a potent force. The Steelers' record speaks to their success, even if the offensive production hasn't met everyone's expectations so you must give Pickett credit.

Pickett's standing as the Steelers' franchise quarterback remains a topic of debate. The "it" factor that Cowherd dismisses is one aspect of his game that sets Pickett apart, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. As the season progresses, more data will emerge, allowing fans and analysts to make a more informed judgment about Pickett's potential to lead the black and gold to their seventh Super Bowl. Regardless of one's stance on Pickett, it's undeniable that he possesses the talent and intangibles that could potentially shape the Steelers' future.

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