The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a critical crossroads. The retirement of Ben Roethlisberger marked the end of an era, and the Steelers’ attempt to turn the page has so far been met with more questions than answers, particularly concerning quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Kenny Pickett’s Struggles: A Statistical Nightmare
Since being drafted 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Kenny Pickett’s journey has been a roller coaster of fleeting highs and extended lows. Initially hailed as a beacon of hope after Roethlisberger’s departure, Pickett’s performance has since sparked debates across the Steelers’ fanbase and beyond.
The most glaring statistic that encapsulates Pickett’s struggles is his touchdown rate—1.8% of his passes have resulted in touchdowns, a figure that is alarmingly low not just for the Steelers, but historically across the NFL. To put this in perspective, Scott Kacsmar points out that this is the lowest touchdown percentage of all 391 quarterbacks who have attempted at least 500 passes in NFL history.
Juju definitely got so much undeserved hate during his time in Pittsburgh #steelers
🎥YT/Juju Smith-Schuster pic.twitter.com/S1quiJxNk2
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) February 26, 2024
Contrast this with peers from the 2022 Draft class, such as Brock Purdy, Desmond Ridder, Bailey Zappe, and Sam Howell, all of whom have significantly higher touchdown rates, and the scale of Pickett’s underperformance becomes even more apparent.
This statistical shortfall has had tangible effects on the Steelers’ offense, which languished at the bottom of the league in points per game and passing yards per game during the 2023 NFL season.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Offensive Woes
The Steelers’ offense, once feared, has become a shadow of its former self, struggling to mount sustained drives and put points on the board. Pickett’s inability to lead the team to 30-plus point games starkly contrasts with third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph’s performance, who managed to do so twice in just three starts.
This discrepancy further fuels the argument that Pittsburgh’s offensive struggles cannot solely be attributed to its supporting cast but must also be laid at the feet of its quarterback.
Coach Mike Tomlin’s end-of-season reflections underscore the team’s aspirations to be “versatile and dynamic,” aiming to “score more points” and “keep defenses off balance.” These goals seem increasingly unattainable with Pickett at the helm, prompting speculation about the Steelers’ next move.
A Crossroads for Pittsburgh Steelers
As the Steelers ponder their future, the quarterback question looms large. Names like Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and even Mason Rudolph have been floated as potential solutions. The implication is clear: Pittsburgh is in desperate need of a pivot at quarterback, one that can rejuvenate the offense and restore the Steelers to their competitive pedestal.
The coming months will be pivotal for the Steelers as they navigate this transition. Will they double down on Pickett, hoping for a significant leap in his third year, or will they venture into the market for a new signal-caller? The decision will have profound implications not just for the upcoming season but for the direction of the franchise in the post-Roethlisberger era.
Source: Kenny Pickett
