Pittsburgh Steelers veteran Cam Heyward expressed confidence in the abilities of quarterback Kenny Pickett as he enters his second year with the team, especially following the additions of wide receiver Allen Robinson, tackle Broderick Jones, and guard Isaac Seumalo this offseason.
During his rookie year, Pickett quickly ascended from his role behind Mitchell Trubisky in the Steelers' quarterback room to assume the starting position by Week 5. He showcased a mixed performance, completing 63% of his passes for an average of 6.2 yards per attempt. He threw seven touchdowns but also struggled with nine interceptions.
However, as the season progressed, the young QB demonstrated improved consistency and displayed glimpses of his playmaking potential in clutch moments.
Despite acknowledging the challenges faced by the young quarterback, Heyward commended Pickett's progress and shared his positive impressions during a recent appearance on the 3 and Out podcast.
"If you look at December and January, anytime it wasn't going his way, it never felt like he was out of sorts, or it felt like the moment was too big for him," Heyward said on the podcast. "You could look at the Baltimore game and, you know, I don't think they've given up a score in the fourth quarter for some like amount of quarters, which was crazy.
"He goes down and puts together a drive, and you just see here; there it wasn't just one person. He was feeding everybody. Then you look at that Christmas game versus the Raiders, and that was a little bit of the same. So, every time we needed a big drive at the end of a game, he was able to answer the call and answer the bell. I just look forward to him not waiting for the fourth quarter; let's get off the bus doing that. I think we'll have a lot more success that way."
As Pickett enters his second season, the Steelers have high expectations for his development, especially competing in a division packed with the quarterback talents of Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson. Echoing the team's optimism, Heyward expressed his belief that Pickett can reach new heights, with limitless possibilities awaiting the young QB.
"Going into the second year of our quarterback, the sky's the limit for him," he said. "I think Kenny's done a tremendous job to get us to this point. But I know he's chomping at the bit for more."
"He's a hungry quarterback, and to surround him with a lot of moving parts, whether that's another wide receiver in Allen Robinson or more depth at the O-line, and I think just solidifying that group can do wonders for him."
"If he has time back there and is able to process a little bit more, I think he's going to have a lot of success going forward."
