The Pittsburgh Steelers had to expect a serious transitional period following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement less than a year ago. The team signed veteran quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky in free agency and drafted Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. One of the most important things when it comes to a successful offense is the chemistry that a signal-caller has with all of his options at receiver. It is what separates the average from the best in the league.
There were bound to be some growing pains after Pickett replaced Trubisky in Week 4, but the rookie believes that he is getting there with all of his pass catchers week by week.
Steelers starting quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) prepares to take a snap at Acrisure Stadium during regular season action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. |Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Diontae Johnson, who has recently been asked about his lack of targets, hauled in a team-high five catches against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday in the team's 19-16 win. He and Pickett connected for a couple of key passes and catches in Atlanta and speaking with media shortly after the victory, Pickett confirmed that a 20-yard pass to Johnson was certainly a sign that the two are going in the right direction in terms of their chemistry.
"I think that's definitely a sign. Each guy has like an indicator. As a quarterback, you just know the indicator right before they break with their body language," Pickett said.
Pickett said that he is doing his best to understand his receivers' tendencies and find them when they break open. He acknowledged that his connection with the second-year Tight End, Pat Freiermuth, and fellow rookie, George Pickens has been a bit stronger up to this point.
"That's something I'm learning with each guy and I think I definitely have it with Pat [Freiermuth] and George [Pickens] and now I'm getting there with Diontae because now we're getting the reps there," Pickett said.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) celebrates with tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium / Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
One of the most exciting pieces of the Steelers' offense is Freiermuth, who had three catches go for 76 yards on Sunday including an incredible 57-yard catch and run. When asked about his important safety blanket, Pickett was extremely complimentary of one of his key offensive weapons.
"I think it's just his IQ really. I think he's a really smart football player and he knows when to sit a route down or continue to run through his own and get to that second window. Having a chance to play with him now, I have a really good feel for him on crucial moments and he's just a great player. That run after catch was a little surprising to me. It was good to see him opening up a little bit. That was good," Pickett said.
Steelers tight end, Pat Freiermuth (#88) lines up on the line of scrimmage at Acrisure Stadium during a 2022 regular season matchup against the New York Jets. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pickens was pretty much invisible against the Falcons, but Freiermuth and Johnson were able to pick up the slack in key situations. Going forward, if Pickett can develop strong and trustworthy on-field relationships with three different targets, Pittsburgh's offense could bloom into one of the NFL's best in the coming years. It's not right around the corner, but a visible and noted increase in on-field chemistry is absolutely a good sign.
What do you make of Pickett's postgame comments? Let us know in the comments below!
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