NFL Rumors: Kenny Pickett’s top area for improvement, Jahan Dotson’s high hopes, Bills get their flowers
By Kristen Wong
![Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0668efaa15d09d698cc1cd2508b2842ed059d997f2087590e1107f5ab004966c.jpg)
NFL Rumors: Steelers vet wants to see one crucial thing from Kenny Pickett in year two
Speaking of players’ year twos, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a young, moldable quarterback in Kenny Pickett who many members of the franchise have since placed their faith in.
Veteran Cam Heyward recently discussed Pickett’s progression and thinks 2023 could be the year Pickett starts to bring the Steelers’ offense together.
"“Every time we’ve needed a big drive at the end of a game, he was able to answer the call and answer the bell. I just look forward to him not waiting for the fourth quarter, let’s get off the bus doing that. I think we’ll have a lot more success that way.”"
In his rookie year, Pickett threw for 2,404 yards and seven touchdowns against nine interceptions with a 63 percent completion rate.
If Heyward is saying that all Pickett needs to do is improve in the first three quarters of a game, well, he’s not wrong. But that’s a lot easier said than done.
The Steelers were hailed as one of the brightest winners of this past year’s draft, bringing in young blood capable of filling the team’s roster holes. Pickett’s success in 2023 will heavily hinge on his O-line’s performance along with the performances of George Pickens and Calvin Austin, among other youngsters.
Everyone knows Year 2 for a rookie quarterback is a pivotal year, and Pickett may, in theory, be equipped for more success this upcoming season. Now it’s all about how he executes on the field.