One of the biggest talking points at training camp for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been the quarterback position. The never-ending cycle of asking a question that hasn't been asked in nearly 20 years: who will be the starting quarterback, both short-term and long-term? Kenny Pickett is the answer to the latter, but the former is a bit more tricky due to rough offensive line play and Mitch Trubisky's overall experience and comforting play throughout the preseason. Pro Football Focus, however, wrote that the main take away from the Steelers' training camp and preseason is that Pickett is ready to step into the role if need be.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) during training camp in 2022. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pickett's play has translated well thus far, but he has not gone up against many first-team defenses. A rookie's weaknesses tend to come out when he goes up against the guys on top of the depth chart. Regardless who is on the other side of the line, however, Sam Monson of PFF, wrote that the Steelers' rookie does not need to sit on the bench and develop and that is because of what he has shown the last month or so.
"Arguably the biggest concern for Kenny Pickett’s prospects of starting early in his NFL career was the speed of his process. In college, Pickett averaged 3.2 seconds per throw, a glacially slow time that typically gets longer for young quarterbacks entering the NFL. In the preseason, Pickett showed he could speed that up significantly and still efficiently lead the offense," Monson wrote. "He averaged 2.43 seconds per throw and had an average depth of target 6.6 yards downfield. Those quick passes earned him a 124.7 passer rating and three touchdowns. Pickett likely won’t begin the season as the starter, but he doesn’t look like he needs time on the bench."
Head Coach, Mike Tomlin continues to deny naming a starting quarterback, but that could simply be to keep their opponent for Week 1, the Cincinnati Bengals, on their toes as they prepare for the match-up. It is most likely to be Trubisky, but he could enter the season on a very short leash. Drafting a quarterback with your first round draft choice doesn't exactly hint at wanting another guy to run the offense for long.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mitch Trubisky (#10) warms up for a preseason match-up in 2022. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pickett was labeled as the most NFL-ready quarterback in his draft class and was the only one selected in the one of the top two rounds. He backed up the Steelers' decision to take him that early by outperforming his fellow rookie signal-callers in the preseason.
Pickett was an efficient 29 for 36 for 261 yards and three touchdowns. He did not turn the ball over once and the offense looked alive when he was leading the way. His 80.6% completion percentage helped him to have a 124.7 passer rating, which was just shy of being 40 points higher than any of the other rookies taken in April's NFL Draft.
There is no doubt that Pickett looked sharp throughout the month of August. He is not going to be the guy two Sundays from now, but if Trubisky falters early in the season, Pickett could absolutely step in a play at an NFL level.
Did you see enough from the rookie quarterback to agree with PFF's analysis? Let us know in the comments below!
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