Kirk Herbstreit reveals the one player who makes the Steelers a 'tough out'

With Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson headlining the AFC North, the Pittsburgh Steelers have slipped under many fans’ radar. Nonetheless, ESPN’s College Gameday analyst Kirk Herbstreit hasn’t forgotten them. Further, he believes the team’s fate lies on one player’s shoulders.

“We’re all assuming that he can, but if [Kenny Pickett] can be consistent, then they start to become one of those teams that becomes a tough out,” Herbstreit said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

The former Pitt quarterback struggled with consistency last season, recording 245 completions for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns and nine interceptions. Nonetheless, it’s worth noting eight of those interceptions were in his first five appearances.

As the season went on, Pickett grew more comfortable. Herbstreit believes that comfort will translate to wins this season.

“The Steelers have always been a team that’s always been a playoff contender,” Herbstreit said. “Because of where their offense has been, as they’ve transitioned with the new OC, new quarterback, I just feel like people don’t talk much about them. And I just feel like that organization has too much pride.

“Pickett now has got a year under his belt. They’ve gotten better around him,” Herbstreit said. “Najee [Harris], I was hearing talk the other day about how banged up he was going into the season last year. He’s had an entire offseason to get right now. Another guy with another year under his belt.”

Pickett looked excellent in the Steelers’ 27-17 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Aug. 11. In the win, the second-year QB completed 6-of-his-7 pass attempts for 70 yards and a touchdown. In total, Pickett posted an impressive 147.9 quarterback rating.

“I think the defense is finally healthy. I don’t know. I’m not saying they’re gonna win the [AFC] North,” Herbstreit said. “It’s fun to look for those teams that can surprise and I think the Steelers could be a team to look out for.”

Kenny Pickett receives additional praise

Hebstreit isn’t the only one who’s hyped up Pickett recently. Steelers general manager Omar Khan praised Pickett’s offseason improvement last week, as well.

“Everything’s been really encouraging,” Khan said. “I’ll mention just with Kenny? No one outworks Kenny Pickett and he has such a desire to be great. That has an effect on everyone in the locker room, everyone in the building really.”

Steelers fans can only hope the effect is strong enough to foster an improved record. The Steelers went 9-8 last season, narrowly missing the playoffs. Pittsburgh and Pickett will kick off the 2023 regular season on Sept. 10 against the San Francisco 49ers.