Steelers’ Mike Tomlin downplays Kenny Pickett’s clutch gene after Rams win
The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Hollywood and took out the Rams in front of a sea of Steelers fans. But it wasn't all easy sailing, with the offense continuing to struggle for the majority of the game. Until, Kenny Pickett continued to show how clutch he is, even though Coach T didn't see it the […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers went into Hollywood and took out the Rams in front of a sea of Steelers fans.
But it wasn't all easy sailing, with the offense continuing to struggle for the majority of the game.
Until, Kenny Pickett continued to show how clutch he is, even though Coach T didn't see it the same way:
"I don't know that anything changed."
"I don't know that anything changed, Coach Tomlin told the media when asked about what changed in the second half. "I just think that, you know, they were possessing the ball and we weren't, I think as I outlined, we didn't win enough early third downs, they were winning too many and even like third and long. When you're not getting off the field, you can talk about uneven performances of individuals and units and so forth, any of those questions can be directed toward our inability to operate on possession downs on both sides of the ball through the first probably two and a half quarters."
Now that was the coachly answer, and it certainly has some validity to it. But the truth is, Pickett and Co. turned it up a notch in the second half, and especially down the stretch, giving us yet another example of "Captain Kenny:"
Pickett was 11/12 for 152 yards in the second half. He looked precise, surgical, and poised in the face of pressure, both physically and mentally as he brought the team back, before putting the nail in the coffin:
And speaking of bringing the team back, after Sunday, Pickett now has six game-winning drives in only 18 games played. If 1/3 of your starts result in game-winning drives, it's safe to say you have the clutch gene.
So I get it. Coach T can't just go up there with the world listening and say the second half was better because his QB is always better in the second half.
But that's the truth. Would you like to see it sooner in the game? Yes. But for now, at least we know Kenny is cash when it counts.
Steelers injury update following 24-17 win at Rams
Here’s the latest on the injury front following Sunday’s game.
