Former Steelers DL Chris Hoke Thinks Kenny Pickett Is Still Missing Progressions, Making Poor Decisions

Somehow, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to find ways to win. Despite being outgained for their ninth straight game this season, the Steelers improved to 6-3. The offense had an encouraging start to the contest, while they scored on their first three drives against the Green Bay Packers. After that, they slowed down considerably, as they finished with just 23 points on the day.

Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada continues to show improvements in his play-calling, and he was on the sidelines for the second straight week. It seems to be working thus far, so the team will likely keep him down there moving forward. Unfortunately, quarterback Kenny Pickett continues to show some concerning signs in his second season. Former Steelers defensive lineman, Chris Hoke reflected on Pickett's Week 10 performance via the KDKA Nightly Sports Call on Sunday.

"I just think at times the game's still moving very fast for him. At some point, you've got to believe that it will slow down. I don't believe he's going through his progressions. He has to be able to go through his progressions and work through them. He's getting better protection now. Before, it was the complaint he's not being protected. He is getting protection now. He has got to stand, he's got to trust that, he's got to drive the ball and go. Work through the progressions and I think he'll do better."

Most notably, the second-year quarterback has refused to use the middle of the field all season long. His passing chart reflects that, and he seemingly only throws to the sidelines. Pickett is missing a huge member of the middle part of that field in tight end Pat Freiermuth, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury. Still, even when Freiermuth was healthy earlier this season, it was the same issue for Pickett.

It hurt the tight end's stats as a result. In four games, he has just eight catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns. The Penn State product should be back off IR soon, but time will tell if Pickett uses him more in the middle of the field. On another concerning note, the young quarterback's pocket presence was not good against the Packers. That has been a recurring theme throughout the 2023 season.

Do Steelers Have Long-Term Answer At QB?

With rookie tackle Broderick Jones in the lineup, the offensive line has done better as of late. Still, often times, Pickett bails too quickly. He's now started 21 games in his NFL career, yet there's been little improvement. Before the season, many touted him as the NFL's breakout candidate at the quarterback position. While his late-game heroics have continued, he's been far too average for the first three quarters of games.

At this point, it's time to start wondering whether or not Pickett is the guy for the future. It's a legitimate question, although based off how the Steelers run things, he will probably get at least one more full season to prove himself. Out of 36 qualifying quarterbacks, Pro Football Focus has Pickett ranked 23rd with a 67.9 overall grade. Again, that's not what you exactly want out of a first-rounder.

It's not just fans that notice his deficiencies either, as former players have spoke up about Pickett. Not only was Hoke concerned about the quarterback's Week 10 performance, but so was former offensive lineman Trai Essex. Notably, Pickett was unable to execute a swing pass to Jaylen Warren in Week 10, which the refs ruled incomplete. Luckily, there wasn't enough to overturn it to a fumble, but Pittsburgh got lucky. 

How do you think Pickett has performed in his second season? Do you think we're at the point where there should be legitimate concerns with the second-year quarterback? If things continue like this for the rest of the season, should the Steelers entertain the quarterback position this upcoming offseason? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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