Kenny Pickett is winning in multiple ways
There's no secret that when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett 20th overall back in April that he was the future at the position after nearly two decades of Ben Roethlisberger. Pickett's road through his rookie campaign hasn't been smooth. He dealt with multiple concussions and struggles in his performance at times, which is […]
There's no secret that when the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Kenny Pickett 20th overall back in April that he was the future at the position after nearly two decades of Ben Roethlisberger.
Pickett's road through his rookie campaign hasn't been smooth. He dealt with multiple concussions and struggles in his performance at times, which is expected for a rookie. However he has thrown for 2,209 yards in the 12 games he's played, and the team won six of his 11 starts (the Steelers have eight wins total).
The play of Pickett has been good enough to earn him a special honor. Pickett was named the winner of the Joe Greene Performance Award by the Pittsburgh chapter of the Pro Football Writer's Association given to the team's top rookie.
Pickett locked up this award over the last two weeks. Against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 16, Pickett led a 10-play drive that netted 76 yards for the game-winning touchdown on a pass to fellow rookie George Pickens. Last week, Pickett found running back Najee Harris with under a minute left versus the hated Baltimore Ravens for a 16-13 victory, the sixth win for the Steelers in their last eight games.
The efforts of Pickett were recognized by one of the Steelers' biggest leaders. Defensive tackle, Cam Heyward, raved about Pickett's ability to step up in big moments.
“The kid’s growing before our eyes,” Heyward said, via the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “He’s making quality throws, leading us downfield. It’s really awesome, to be (24) years old and a quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. You got to love the way he’s leading that offense. And he keeps growing week in and week out.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was so fired up about what Pickett had done, again, that he used some strong language to voice his approval.
Pickett spoke on if what Tomlin said is something that will stick.
“If you make good plays,” Pickett said on Wednesday. “I think it depends on the play you make, too. It was a good play in a big-time moment. Coach is passionate, and you love that out of your coach.”
The Steelers still have a chance to make the playoffs if they win Sunday against the Cleveland Browns and get some help. A big reason they're in this position is Pickett, and he's only getting better.
Feature image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
