Pittsburgh Steelers starting Quarterback Kenny Pickett, appeared on the Pat McAfee Show to discuss how he felt his rookie season went. Pickett, or "Mr. Yinzer," as McAfee called him, had a rocky start to the season. He bounced back after the bye and helped the team finish above .500 for the 18th season.
Steelers Kenny Pickett (8) / Photo Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Pickett spoke quite a bit about the transition from college to the pros and how much more difficult it is. He was asked about the most significant adjustment he had and Pickett responded that it was the "volume of defense." In college, there aren't that many plays or that many defenders that can catch him if he runs. In the pros, there are endless plays and everyone can run as fast as he can.
Steelers Pickett On the Secret to His Success
There is no doubt that the leap from college to the pros is a big one, even if you are playing in the same stadium. Pickett addressed how he compensated for the dramatic change. He said that Head Coach Mike Tomlin saw Pickett was watching every bit of tape he could get his hands on, and picking the brains of the coaching staff, especially the defensive coaches. In doing this, he was trying to understand what would be coming for him. Tomlin, who is also a well-known "film junkie", gave Pickett the green light to attend staff meetings.
"Coach allowed me to come into the staff meetings to start the week. You know the full 2.5-hour breakdown of the team on Monday mornings."
Steelers' kenny Pickett (#8) goes through ball security drills in practice in preparation for the New Orleans Saints in Pittsburgh, PA. | Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
McAfee asked Pickett if that was something that started right away. Pickett said not quite, it was a few weeks after he started, and prior to that Coach Tomin was helping him with his routines.
"He saw that I like to watch a lot of film and be prepared, then he ended up letting me come into the staff meetings. So I would get it before everybody on Monday, then get it again with QBs and again in the team meetings. So I would get the breakdown three times before everyone got it once. Which really helped me."
"You don't wanna see yourself getting circled with that laser in the team meeting" 😂😂@kennypickett10 dives into his relationship with Coach Tomlin#PMSLive #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/KxhZP879m2
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 19, 2023He said that wasn't all that Tomlin did to help him get prepared. According to QB1, Tomlin has developed a special bond over the season. A big part of what helped that bond grow was the mutual love of breaking down and utilizing film.
"Then throughout the week there was constant communication about third downs, red zone and two-minute, those crucial moments that make or break games. I've had a lot of communication with Coach T throughout the year. That really helped me know what to expect walking to the line of scrimmage on those big-time plays," Pickett said.
Former Indianapolis Colts head coach, and McAfee co-host, Chuck Pagano, marveled at just how unusual this is for a player, especially a rookie. He said that coaches will often run game plans by players but they do not usually allow players to sit in coaches' meetings. Pagano said it does have a distinct advantage, players are able to give feedback and let the coaches know if there is something they do not feel they can execute or pull off.
Pickett will be returning this season for his sophomore season and we now know that Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada will be retained. This allows him some continuity as most of the key offensive players also seem likely to return.
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada looks on at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during rookie minicamp, Friday, May 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)
Pat McAfee isn't the only one excited to see what Kenny "Mr. Yinzer" Pickett can do, all of Steeler Nation is giddy with anticipation.
What do you think of Pickett's film study strategies? What do you think is the key to continued offensive improvement next season? Comment below.
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