The Pittsburgh Steelers have transitioned into a "new era" with an emersion of young talent on the offensive side of the ball. With Steelers QB Kenny Pickett being the only quarterback selected in the first round, he's been under an NFL-wide microscope during training camp. He's had his ups and downs thus far, but what rookie doesn't? The NFL is just a different world compared to collegiate football, the transition doesn't just magically happen. Have some patience with your young quarterback, Steeler Nation, he has the potential to be the franchise guy! While he's had his fair share of struggles, Pickett has flashed at times as well!
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In an interview with KDKA's sports director, Bob Pompeani, Steelers quarterbacks coach, Mike Sullivan detailed how Pickett has progressed thus far in Latrobe:
"Kenny, as I mentioned, his maturity is one that's been very impressive," Sullivan stated via KDKA. "By that, I mean, he doesn't ever get too high, doesn't get too low, got a tremendous work ethic. And he's able to process well, he can take things, understanding in the meeting, and then take it to the field. Of course, he's making some rookie mistakes, like they all do, but really pleased with his progression thus far."
Pompeani praised Sullivan's patience and asked how much that helps him being a quarterbacks coach and I can't help but to have Pickett on my mind while listening to his response as it was a follow up question to his comments on the Steelers rookie quarterback.
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"Well, you better be patient, you know," Sullivan stated after laughing with Pompeani. "I mean there's so much pressure that's involved with the position. They have the livelihood of the organization in their hands on every single play. And so, we just have to try as best we can to keep guys focused and forget about negativity, forget about positivity, and focus on the task at hand."
Patience, patience, patience. Every franchise quarterback doesn't always show he's the number one guy right from the jump. For God's sake, Pickett has yet to take a professional snap and there are people already ready to write him off. People have read too far into the Steelers' initial depth chart release. Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin has already stated, he's only putting one out because it's a requirement:
“I only provide depth charts because I have to.”
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We want to see growth in all of the quarterbacks battling it out for the QB1 spot, that's a big win for the Steelers organization. Pickett has shown growth already in his first few weeks as an NFL quarterback. That's all you can ask for!
It's been evident since the Steelers signed veteran free agent QB Mitch Trubisky. At the time, Pickett was still in the midst of the 2022 NFL Draft process, but the Steelers signed Trubisky so they wouldn't have to rush whoever they drafted into a tough situation. They are well aware that rushing a rookie quarterback into action or naming him the Day 1 starter right out of camp is a recipe for disaster in this league.
What are yinz thoughts on Sullivan's comments about Pickett in training camp thus far? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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