Former Steelers great has very strong take on who should start at QB for Pittsburgh in 2022
Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Ike Taylor didn't hold back on Thursday during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show when he was asked who should start at quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals in week one of the regular season. Taylor told McAfee that he'd roll with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett. "I would roll with […]
Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Ike Taylor didn't hold back on Thursday during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show when he was asked who should start at quarterback against the Cincinnati Bengals in week one of the regular season.
Taylor told McAfee that he'd roll with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett.
"I would roll with Kenny Pickett," said Taylor. "I think Kenny Pickett is ready right now. I think sometimes you just got to do things outside the box. A couple of years ago I'd say there's nothing wrong with sitting Kenny Pickett and establishing Mitch Trubisky and letting him do what he needs to do. You would call Trubisky a bridge. But just all the effort and all the boxes Kenny Pickett has checked off, there's no need to not start the young man."
A couple of weeks ago, I'd say there's no way that Pickett will start against the Bengals in week one.
But after the way Pickett has played in the preseason, I'm starting to think he has a legitimate chance. I'd say the only thing holding Pittsburgh back is the unknown. What happens when Pickett gets into an NFL game for the first time? And with Mitch Trubisky on the roster, is it worth throwing Pickett out there in week one?
Steelers quarterback coach Mike Sullivan has some of those same concerns, but he also really likes what he's seen from Pickett this summer.
“Every rookie, until he gets out there in a real game — it was real football, but preseason real football is different, just like postseason football is different — until one is in that situation, you never truly know," said Sullivan recently (via The Athletic). "Knowing everything that he has done at this point, we are confident in him, but you never know until he is out there for real.”
“The thing that stood out with Kenny from the games is that it hasn’t been too big for him,” added Sullivan. “He has gone in and performed very well and not been overwhelmed by the circumstances and the situations and the pressure. Secondly, he has shown a knack, particularly in this second game, to have poise and anticipation. He made some throws with defenders right up in his face."
The Steelers ultimately have to decide who gives them the best chance to beat Cincinnati in week one. If that's Pickett, then as Taylor said, there's no reason to wait.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
