Pickett finds his rhythm in ‘faster’ NFL
Chemistry now a primary goal for rookie QB
One day after Mike Tomlin called quarterback Kenny Pickett’s growth “really impressive in all areas,” the firstround pick himself described some of the challenges that have come with being a rookie starter at the highest level of professional football (best of luck to all the new quarterbacks drafted this week by the XFL).
“It’s definitely faster, definitely tighter windows,” Pickett said, six games and five starts into his NFL career. “I came in with high expectations, and it’s definitely met those. I have to be on point.”
Pickett added that his pass catchers have to be “on point,” too, when it comes to timing, route depth and things of that nature. That’s nothing new for Pickett, who stressed improving the collective study habits of the offense in the wake of their 35-13 thrashing at the hands of Philadelphia.
But since then, the Steelers have turned around and managed a 20-10 win against the Saints. Pickett got in a rhythm in the second half of that game, his first start-to-finish victory as a pro. He threw for 108 yards on 7-of-11 passing after halftime, the type of game-manager stat line that might be all that’s needed with a defense playing like it did in T.J. Watt’s return.
In the first half, he was more erratic with his ball-placement and overall accuracy, aspects of the position he’s still working on as he transitions from the ACC to the AFC.
“You have to know how to throw each ball differently, right? You can’t throw the same ball for every route or every situation,” Pickett said. “It’s just learning that timing with the guys. There were a lot of timing throws out there in the last couple weeks that I don’t think we would’ve been making earlier in the year.”
That’s where Pickett sees something he can build on the rest of his rookie campaign. How Tomlin handled the quarterback position — depth chart changes, practice reps, etc. — earlier this season wasn’t up to the players themselves, so Pickett’s adjusting on the fly.
He’s also trying to juggle more balls than a kid at the school talent show. Pickett wants to cut down on turnovers, but also wants to look for more deep throws. He wants to get Diontae Johnson and George Pickens involved, but also wants to take what the defense gives him. And he wants to put fewer sacks on film, but he’s trying to let those downfield routes develop.
“It’s going to continue to get better,” Pickett said. “I’m nowhere near where I want to be or need to be. It’s a day at a time.”
Seven miss practice
Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (appendix), left guard Kevin Dotson (hip), inside linebacker Devin Bush (knee), defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (knee), cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon (hamstring), special teamer Marcus Allen (illness) and backup offensive lineman Trent Scott (back) all missed Wednesday’s practice.
Tomlin indicated many of those regular contributors would be limited early in the week, but Fitzpatrick is the main one to monitor as he recovers from his appendectomy. Receiver Ja’Marr Chase, defensive back Dax Hill and defensive tackle Josh Tupou did not practice Wednesday for the Bengals.
The good news for the Steelers is that Najee Harris (knee) and T.J. Watt (pectoral) were full participants and linebacker Myles Jack isn’t on the injury report at all after not playing Sunday as he manages a knee issue. And rookie defensive end DeMarvin Leal had his 21-day window opened to return from injured reserve. Leal went on the list before Week 6 but returned to practice Wednesday. The Steelers have three weeks to move him to the active roster or he’ll be out for the rest of the season.