Former NFL head coaches still consider Kenny Pickett of the Steelers to be…
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett, despite a challenging 2023 season marked by injuries and inconsistent play, retains support from some former NFL head coaches who view him as an outstanding player. The 2022 first-round selection faced setbacks in living up to the preseason hype, with his initial year as a starting quarterback impacted by various factors. Nevertheless, certain coaches, including those at The 33rd Team, still regard Pickett highly, emphasizing his ability to play the quarterback position in a manner aligned with coaching preferences.
According to Andy Benoit, Head of Football Analysis at The 33rd Team, Pickett is considered a unique quarterback who excels in systems that maintain a balanced approach between running and passing. Benoit pointed to the offensive strategies of teams like the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers as ideal environments where Pickett could thrive. He highlighted the success of these teams in providing structured reads for their quarterbacks on early downs, emphasizing that Pickett could excel in a system where plays are schemed up for him.
Benoit acknowledged the historical tendency of the Steelers to place a significant burden on their quarterbacks to make plays, a strategy that worked well with Ben Roethlisberger. However, he raised the question of whether Pickett possesses the ability to make off-schedule throws like Roethlisberger or if he requires a more highly schemed offensive approach. The comparison with another 2022 draft class quarterback, Brock Purdy, who had success in a quarterback-friendly system under Kyle Shanahan, adds an additional layer to the evaluation.
Pickett’s performance in the upcoming 2024 season is seen as crucial, and the search for a new offensive coordinator underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting Pickett’s success. The focus is on finding a coordinator who can tailor the offensive system to suit Pickett’s strengths, mirroring the approach seen in Miami or San Francisco. As discussions about potential coordinator hires circulate, the consensus remains that Pickett’s success largely hinges on being placed in a system conducive to his abilities.
