One of the players that Pittsburgh Steelers fans are excited about for the 2023 season is their quarterback, Kenny Pickett. Although Pickett started out his rookie season in 2022 shaky, he really showed his true self down the final stretch and almost helped the Steelers make the playoffs as they finished 9-8.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett (#8) rolls out of the pocket against the Las Vegas Raiders in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Fell Short Of Making The Playoffs In 2022
Although the Steelers fell short of making the playoffs in 2022, the team has high expectations for 2023. Making the Super Bowl is what is on everyone's mind. To get there, Pickett is going to need to have a breakout year. We have already seen a Steelers quarterback have a breakout year in his second season before with Ben Roethlisberger. During his 2005 season, he would help lead the Steelers to their fifth Super Bowl victory. Now, the Steelers are hoping for something like this from Pickett.
Many Steelers fans have been pointing fingers at Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada for the lackluster performances from the offense in recent years. But Pickett is taking responsibility for last year and is putting it more on himself, rather than the coaches.
From an interview during day one of OTAs with The Tribune-Democrat's Amanda Filipcic-Godsey, Pickett talked about the accountability coming from him and his teammates.
"We have the guys. We have to go execute." Pickett would then say, "At some point, it’s players on players, and we have to step up and make plays."
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) winds up to make a throw during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
This leadership from Pickett is seen by everyone. Most likely sounding like a broken record, a winning mentality is being bashed into the brains of everyone on the young Steelers offense. Wide receiver Calvin Austin III mentioned how Pickett makes everyone be on their A-game during practice.
"He’s going to make sure you’re on your A-game. Having a quarterback like that is what you want, 'cause he’s going to bring everybody else up with him." Austin would go on to say, "You either got to be at his level or get left behind."
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Calvin Austin III makes an impressive catch during the Steelers OTA's in 2022.
One of the things that Pickett has done in preparation for the 2023 season is put on a little weight. Last season, he weighed around 213 pounds, now he weighs around 226 pounds. This is not necessarily a bad thing as long as he is able to keep his speed. Comparing him to Roethlisberger again, his weight is what led him to not only be one of the tougher quarterbacks in the league, but kept him around for the long haul playing until he was almost 40.
"It’s a long season and you’re taking a lot of shots, so I just want to have some more protection," Pickett then said. "The hits [in the NFL] are just a little bit different over a longer period of time. So being able to withstand the hits and if need be, deliver some hits if I have to go score, whatever it may be. Obviously, I kept my speed and just added a little bit of weight."
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers retired quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (#7) runs on the field to warm up prior to a 2021 regular season game in Pittsburgh, PA.
So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Will Pickett have a breakout year in 2023? Let me know in the comments below!
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