Kenny Pickett looks back on rookie season, how Steelers unleashed his athleticism

Kenny Pickett is looking to expand his versatility entering his second NFL season. While not an elite passer at this point in his career, the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback is already looking to add levels to his game.

The more Pickett can do with his feet, the more options it opens for the Steelers’ offense.

“There were some plays that we could put that are scripted — rollouts, bootlegs, whatever it may be — some designed quarterback runs in those big-time situations. You can add a blocker with the running back,” Pickett said. “But also being off-script. If they dial up a dropback and we need a first down, I can extend and do something with my legs, either buying time to make a throw or deciding it’s time to take off and get the first down, or a touchdown.

“I think it goes two-fold with being scripted and non-scripted. Hopefully, that will open up some doors for us on offense.”

As the Steelers’ primary quarterback last season, Pickett was able to help lead his team to a 9-8 season during his rookie year, though only logged 12 starts (7-5) in 17 total games. He threw for 2,404 yards but had a hard time finding the end zone, throwing seven touchdowns compared to nine interceptions. He added an additional 237 yards and three touchdowns on the ground — something he’s looking to get more out of in 2023.

Pickett started in 13 of the Steelers’ 17 games, sitting behind Mitch Trubisky for the first four games of the season while still getting acclimated to the NFL. He would lose four of his first five starts, but ended the season on a hot streak, leading Pittsburgh to five-straight wins when he was able to play the full game.

Under Pickett’s guidance, the Steelers will kick their 2023-24 NFL season off at home against the San Francisco 49ers live on Fox. Pittsburgh has opened as 2.5-point underdogs in the season opener, per Caesars Sportsbook.

Luckily for Pittsburgh, all 17 teams on the Steelers’ 2023 schedule had a collective .470 win percentage last season, giving Pittsburgh the eighth lowest strength of schedule next season. That could bode well for the young Steeler offense, and for Pickett as he tries out some new tricks.

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Steelers are favorites to win 10 of their 17 matchups during the 2023 season. More often than not, a 10-7 record is decent enough to earn a spot in the postseason.