The Pittsburgh Steelers lost one in heartbreaking fashion last Sunday when they fell 16-10 against the Miami Dolphins.

What was shaping up to be an instant-classic Kenny Pickett game-winning drive ended in the hands of DB Noah Igbinoghene in the game-ending interception.

On Tuesday, Mike Tomlin addressed the three-interception game for Kenny Pickett. When asked if he was communicating with his quarterback about those giveaways, the head coach had a smart answer.

"I'm not overly communicating those conversations. (Pickett) is playing and playing to win," said Tomlin. "There are some things to be learned but they're not producing unusual conversations between he and I."

"We've got to take care of the ball every week."

Tomlin's response highlights something the Steelers committed to by nature when they threw Pickett into the game in Week 4 versus the New York Jets.

Patience.

Once the rookie took over, the team knew all along they'd have to roll with the punches that go with developing a signal-caller.

Yes, Pickett is going to keep making mistakes. That's what this rebuilding season is for. Because let's be clear, a weird AFC North standings picture shouldn't confuse fans. This is a rebuilding year.

And a huge part of it will be all about Pickett getting better. The Steelers' quarterback talked about the interception being his fault, claiming he expected Diontae Johnson to come back down instead of going vertical.

Pickett on last INT: "Just a miscommunication, thought Diontae was gonna come back down, he went vertical. That's on me. I either gotta throw it away and give us another chance or, make a better throw over the top to him there. So that's definitely on me." #Steelers

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) October 24, 2022

The good news is that the bad reps can come with some promising moments. And while you don't want to end two consecutive drives by giving away the football, something has to be said about Pickett moving the Steelers' offense downfield in the last two drives of the game.

"He's a fish in water. It's a natural act for him," answered Tomlin to a question on Pickett's response in high-leverage moments. "He's a competitor, he has a thirst for it."

"It's been fun being in those circumstances," added the head coach. "We want the outcomes to be different. But to communicate with him professionally and to watch him operate, (and) his demeanor, his approach to the circumstances is exciting and refreshing."

That poise – and the next step which is getting the right outcome – is what has the Steelers thinking Pickett can be a long-term answer.

Pickett passed for 257 yards in 44 attempts, completing 73% of his passes against the Dolphins. But it was the moments that really have the fanbase, and Mike Tomlin, excited about what's ahead.

He's playing like an exciting, promising rookie. But being a rookie comes with some bumps on the road unless you have an exceptional situation around him.

That pick at the end of the game was a reminder of that.

Featured image via Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports