The Kenny Pickett era for the Pittsburgh Steelers continues to experience the same growing pains you’d expect from any team trying to break in a new rookie quarterback.
Sunday’s 35-13 loss to the still-undefeated Philadelphia Eagles didn’t feel like much of a step in the right direction, and after the game, Pickett himself made it clear that he and his offensive teammates need to take their preparation to another level to avoid costly mental errors.
“Guys need to know what they’re doing,” Pickett said. “We need to study more. I don’t think we study enough, as a group. There’s way too many penalties and stuff like that, which we can control. It’s all mental. For that to happen, there’s really no excuse for that. We have to figure that out, and get it right.”
Pickett completed 25 of his 38 pass attempts for 191 yards, no touchdowns and an interception, adding 37 yards on seven rushing attempts. The Steelers’ only touchdown of the day came on a trick play, a scoring toss from wide receiver Chase Claypool to to fullback Derek Watt.
It’s understandable for the Steelers to go through some tough times as Pickett takes over at the game’s most important position, but the No. 20 overall pick clearly isn’t pleased with how many of their problems are self-inflicted and avoidable.
