The first part of the NFL offseason has been spent by Pittsburgh Steelers fans waiting to find out what the team will do with their quarterback issue.
Over the weekend, they could have received a response.
Arthur Smith had his first interview as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator on February 3. Smith discussed developing a friendship with Kenny Pickett in an interview with Missi Matthews of Steelers.com, referring to him as “the quarterback.”
“My relationship with Kenny needs to be developed,” Smith remarked. And between the quarterback and the play caller, it is really important. Since the quarterback is the one between the white lines, trust will inevitably develop on both sides on a daily basis. As we develop this offensive and everything else we want to work on, I have to gain Kenny’s trust and vice versa. We also want him to work on and lead this offense.
Possibly even more significant, Tim Benz of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review brought attention to the fact that Mason Rudolph was not once addressed during the interview.
Despite the Steelers having previously said that there will be competition, there is a perception that Pickett is already regarded as the team’s quarterback one due to the remarks made about him and the fact that Rudolph was left out.
For the Steelers, Pickett’s first two seasons have been dismal.
Despite starting in both seasons and earning a 7-5 record, his efforts haven’t lived up to his record.
In his 24 starts, he has only thrown 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. In his starts, he also yields fewer than 200 passing yards a game on average.
It appears that the Steelers will give him one more season to establish his worth as their starting quarterback moving forward.
Pickett is under pressure, though. Since the Steelers haven’t won a postseason game since 2016, the team’s supporters and ownership are becoming agitated.
Despite closing the regular season with three straight victories, Rudolph was unable to guide the squad to the playoffs.
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