It seems as if a new era for the Pittsburgh Steelers has officially arrived at the quarterback position. Rookie first-round pick, Kenny Pickett will take over for Mitch Trubisky on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The first year player replaced Trubisky in the second half of the organization's Week 4 matchup versus the New York Jets. He is going through preparation this week for his first career start and spoke with local and national media on Wednesday about the upcoming game and going head to head with one of the league's best teams and quarterbacks.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
The Steelers are 14-point underdogs for the first time since the merger and enter Pickett's first ever start with no one outside of Pittsburgh expecting a win. The rookie isn't worried about what everyone thinks.
"It's the attitude in which you go about it. You guys, everyone else, thinks we are underdogs, but we don't, so we're going to go in with some confidence. We know how great we can be when we're detailed."
The details seem to be the key for Pickett. He admitted that the Steelers as a whole do not have much of a chance against a talented Buffalo team if the group does not focus on what they preach.
"That's something we need to take care of during the week or we won't have a shot. It's the details, it's the little things. Guys running at the right depth, I gotta be on time and keep a great ball," Pickett said.
Steelers rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett at 2022 training camp at St. Vincent's College. | Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
He also expressed sincere trust in the big men up front to keep him upright versus a fierce Bills defensive front.
"The line will protect. They've been doing an unbelievable job all year so i have a ton of confidence in those guys. We'll be okay."
It was clear that the Steelers offense had an extra boost when the rookie signal-caller came into the game on Sunday and while he knows that's important, Pickett said he tries to keep it even keel.
"Doing my job at a high level and playing with energy. At the same time, I don't like to get too high or too low. I know I showed some emotion out there on Sunday. I felt like we needed it, so it was really read the room, read the situation and fit the kind of leadership style that needs to be fit."
Pickett believes that he is ready to prepare and have a consistent approach each week as the starting quarterback.
"I've gotten into a real good routine talking with coach [Mike] Tomlin in the preseason and in the regular season about having a good routine of preparation, so when the time comes, I really don't change in terms of that."
Steelers quarterbacks Kenny Pickett (#8) and Mitch Trubisky (#10) at Acrisure Stadium before a 2022 preseason game. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
According to Pickett, Trubisky and him continue to build a strong relationship and have a mutual respect that has led to both of them supporting the other regardless of who is on the field.
"Mitch is one of the best teammates that I have been able to come across. I'm extremely grateful to have him in this room. I supported him a ton when he was in there and he's done the same for me and that will continue."
What are your thoughts on Pickett's weekly comments before his first career start? Let us know in the comments below!
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