The Pittsburgh Steelers, once a powerhouse in the NFL, have faced challenges on the offensive front since the departure of their star quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. In an effort to revitalize their offense, the Steelers drafted Kenny Pickett in 2022, hoping to find their next franchise quarterback.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) scrambles outside of the pocket.
However, questions loom regarding Pickett's performance and the team's offensive strategy. In a recent interview with Steelers President Art Rooney II, concerns about Pickett's development and the team's future were addressed.
Steelers' Art Rooney II Needs To See More From Kenny Pickett
Rooney sat down with Bob Pompeani for an interview to discuss some questions on Steelers fans' minds. Pompeani asked Rooney what he needed to see from Pickett going forward. Rooney has a very simple need in mind when it comes to what more he hopes to see from Pickett in 2024.
"The next step, number one, would look like more points week in and week out. Just being a more effective offense, continue to do some of the things we were able to do this year in terms of ball control and being able to run effectively. But then add on top of that, scoring more touchdowns."
Since stepping into the role of the Steelers' quarterback, Pickett has faced scrutiny regarding his ability to lead the offense effectively. With inconsistent statistics over his first two seasons, Pickett has yet to solidify himself as the answer to the team's offensive woes.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) and wide receiver George Pickens (#14) celebrating a touchdown.
In 2022, Pickett recorded 2,404 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 76.7. The following season saw slight improvement, with 2,070 passing yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions, yielding a passer rating of 81.4. Despite these efforts, Pickett's performance has left much to be desired, with the team often resorting to ugly and boring football to secure wins.
Amidst Pickett's struggles, questions arise regarding the effectiveness of the Steelers' offensive game plan. Fans ponder whether Pickett's shortcomings are a result of inadequate support from the coaching staff or if the system itself was setup to cover for Pickett's flaws. President Rooney acknowledges the need for a more dynamic offense, emphasizing the importance of scoring touchdowns consistently.
With the team's playoff drought persisting since the 2016 season, Rooney underscores the urgency for the Steelers to reclaim their status as Super Bowl contenders. He, like every Steelers fan, is sick and tired with the lack of postseason success the Steelers have dealt with in the last seven years.
In addition to on-field performance, injuries have plagued Pickett's tenure as the Steelers' quarterback, further clouding the assessment of his potential. A pivotal moment in Pickett's career was marred by injury, allowing backup quarterback Mason Rudolph to showcase the team's offensive capabilities. As the Steelers welcome Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator, there is anticipation surrounding the potential synergy between Smith's system and Pickett's skill set. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for Pickett to prove his worth and dispel doubts about his ability to lead the Steelers' offense.
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Steelers and QB Mason Rudolph (#2) running off the field and into the tunnel following a victory in Seattle during the 2023 NFL season.
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season, the focus remains on Pickett's development and the team's offensive resurgence. President Rooney emphasizes the need for tangible progress, stressing the importance of generating more points and establishing consistency on offense. With expectations high and pressure mounting, Pickett faces a pivotal year in his career, with the opportunity to silence critics and propel the Steelers back into playoff contention.
The path forward for the Steelers hinges on the performance of Pickett and the effectiveness of their offensive strategy. With Rooney highlighting the necessity for improvement, all eyes are on Pickett as he embarks on a crucial season in his journey as the Steelers' quarterback. As the team strives to reclaim its dominance in the NFL, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, but ripe with opportunity for redemption
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