Less than a week after the Pittsburgh Steelers fired now-former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, the refreshed unit put together one of their best performances since the beginning of 2021. It won't show up in total points as Kenny Pickett and co. only defeated the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-10, but a whopping 421 yards of offense was extremely promising. The ball was being thrown in the middle, play-action was utilized, and the second-year quarterback stepped up in a big way, completing 24 of 33 passes for 278 yards. Eight different pass catchers hauled in a reception and the post-Canada era started off with a bang.
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Steelers former Offensive Coordinator, Matt Canada walks on the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 preseason practice in Pittsburgh, PA.
There has been a ton of disrespect thrown in the direction of Pickett. Overall, it's hard to argue with several analysts' harsh criticisms as he still is stuck with just 13 total touchdown passes throughout his career with only six coming in 2023. He didn't throw one into the end zone on Sunday, but no one should be surprised if he starts to become more efficient in that area given how he played against the Bengals.
Not an analyst, but an insider, threw massive shade Pickett's way on Sunday morning. The NFL Sunday Countdown crew on ESPN was watching a live feed of a security guard not opening a door for Houston Texans' quarterback, CJ Stroud. The panel pleaded for the NFL's best rookie to be allowed into the stadium. Insider, Adam Schefter popped onto the screen and had some extremely unnecessary comments directed at Pickett shortly after.
"Now, we wouldn't have been surprised if that was Kenny Pickett going into the Steelers locker room," Schefter said while host, Samantha Ponder, boo'd him.
Schefter is liked by some and not so much by others. He never played professional football and makes a living desperate for scoops to beat his rival, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, to breaking news. It's not necessarily Schefter's place to take shots at quarterbacks, or any player in the league for that matter. Overall, the comment directed at Pickett was uncalled for because fans were rather excited to see him play without Canada calling the plays, and he didn't disappoint.
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Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) throws a deep ball down the sidelines while warming up for a 2022 matchup at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
Pickett's stats are not going to impress many, but he definitely had extra motivation on Sunday to prove doubters wrong because the next scapegoat could be him if the offense doesn't click under new leadership. No one is calling Pickett Ben Roethlisberger or Terry Bradshaw after one convincing performance, but Schefter should take a minute to walk back his comments. Steelers fans absolutely want him in the black and gold if he plays the way he did on Sunday.
Pickett will have his work cut out for him in the Steelers' final six regular season games. The New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens all have stout defenses that are better than what the Bengals put out on the field. It has been said that the post-Canada era for him in 2023 is crucial for his potential future with the organization and he got off to a solid start, despite scoring only 16 points against Cincinnati.
Realistically, Pittsburgh should have put up over 20 points, but Head Coach Mike Tomlin failed to challenge an apparent touchdown catch by Diontae Johnson that was ruled incomplete on the field. Pickett may not have thrown for multiple touchdowns, but he showed better poise in the pocket and a slightly-adjusted game plan was clearly advantageous to the young signal-caller.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A6975-544x306.jpg "Steelers Kenny Pickett")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (#8) prepares to make a throw during 2023 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Begin Stretch Of Three Winnable Games In Week 13
The fan base in Pittsburgh is starting to be able to sniff the postseason. The Steelers currently sit as the fifth seed in the AFC playoff picture, and also, boast a respectable 5-3 record in conference while being 3-1 in the division.
The group will take on the Arizona Cardinals and Patriots at home and then travel to play the Colts in Week 15 over the course of the next three weeks. All three could be won if the team doesn't fall to inferior opponents. If Pickett and co. can deliver, the Steelers will be looking at a 10-4 record with three weeks to play.
Do you think Schefter's comment about Pickett was unnecessary? Did Pickett prove him wrong on Sunday? Let us know in the comments below!
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