With just one week remaining in the regular season, a few Pittsburgh Steelers received some awards on Wednesday. Starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett, who took over for veteran Mitch Trubisky a month into the season, won the Joe Greene Great Performance Award. The Steelers hand this award out annually to the team's best rookie.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Pickett's only real competition for this award was wide out, George Pickens, who has had some great moments. Pickens has 49 catches for 729 yards and three touchdowns in his first season with the Steelers. Other rookies, like undrafted running back, Jaylen Warren, and backup tight end, Connor Heyward, certainly left their imprint on the team's 2022 performance as well.
Mason Cole & @kennypickett10 were named the 2022 recipients of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Pro Football Writers of America’s annual awards.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 4, 2023
Pickett clearly stood out amongst the 2022 class though, as he's led the black and gold back to an 8-8 record. With some help and a win in Week 18, the quarterback has a chance to make the postseason in his first year. In 11 starts, Pickett has led the team to a 6-5 record, while throwing for 2,209 yards and racking up nine total touchdowns.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
After a difficult start in the turnover department, Pickett has thrown just one interception in his last seven contests. That's quite the turnaround from when he threw eight interceptions in his first five NFL appearances. His improved play now has fans excited for 2023 and beyond, as he's shown signs that he can be that guy moving forward with this franchise.
RB Najee Harris won the award in 2021, which includes a prestigious list of former Steelers to have won the honor. Started in 1984, Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu, and Alan Faneca are amongst the team legends that have won the team's rookie of the year award.
As for the other award, veteran center Mason Cole was given the "The Chief" award in his first season in Pittsburgh.
Most recently given to Cam Heyward in 2021, it's for the player that best represents the franchise and city in his cooperation with the media. As mentioned by Teresa Varley of Steelers.com, Cole is available on a daily basis, while giving truthful, detailed answers to the media. Signed last off-season, he has brought some stability on the interior offensive line, while also being a team leader.
Congratulations to both deserving honorees!
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Do you think Pickens had a case to win the award over Pickett? How good do you think this 2022 rookie class will become down the road? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!
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