Former NFL GM has some cold hard facts for Steelers QB Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to go as far as Kenny Pickett takes them in 2023.  I know they want to pursue an offensive identity that goes through the ground game, but this isn't the 1970s and the offense will have to be more explosive this fall. Well one former NFL GM thinks that's not […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer
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ESPN's Mike Tannenbaum says Steelers QB Kenny Pickett lacks ability

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to go as far as Kenny Pickett takes them in 2023. 

I know they want to pursue an offensive identity that goes through the ground game, but this isn't the 1970s and the offense will have to be more explosive this fall.

Well one former NFL GM thinks that's not feasible for Pittsburgh, at least not with Kenny Pickett at the helm: 

Mike Tannenbaum: Kenny Pickett “Lacks Ability”

During a recent appearance on Get Up, ESPN analyst and former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum was asked if he thought the Steelers would make the playoffs in 2023, to which he uttered the following: 

“Nope, despite Mike Tomlin’s greatness, Kenny Pickett really struggled getting the ball downfield. He was second worst in yards per pass attempt, and they have some really good receivers with Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and they picked up Allen Robinson. But when you’re going up against Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow every week, you’ve got to be able to score points in chunks and I just don’t think Kenny Pickett has that ability.”

And while the jury is still out on whether or not Pickett can compete amongst his divisional counterparts at quarterback, the truth is that Pickett did struggle to generate explosive plays in 2022. But as we have made sure to contextualize this offseason, that doesn't entirely fall at the feet of Pickett:

Offensive playmaking is an art, while design is a science. And let's just say that Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada isn't exactly Wernher Von Braun when it comes to his offensive philosophy. 

But hopefully, that changes this fall. Steelers players have noted a considerable change in the structure of the passing attack, and a well-formed identity to pound the rock should allow for heavier boxes and more one-on-one opportunities for Pittsbugh's playmakers. 



If so, I would expect Kenny Pickett to have Tannenbaum eating his words. 

Featured image via: © Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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