Steelers need to start Kenny Pickett Week 1 against the Bengals

It’s only been two weeks, but Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett has been impressive. Here’s why he needs to start against the Bengals in Week 1.

Kenny Pickett was the most impressive rookie quarterback to play in week one of the preseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to have franchise quarterbacks fall in their lap in the draft with Ben Roethlisberger falling to them with the 11th overall pick in 2004 and now potentially Pickett falling all the way to pick 20 this past year in April.

In his first ever professional game, Pickett played mostly with and against third-string competition but looked like a man amongst children. He finished the game 13-15 for 95 yards and 2 touchdown passes with a passer rating of 132.6, via ESPN. He also had some impressive runs throughout the game and finished with 3 rushes for 16 yards.

Regardless of who he was going against during the game, he looked confident and composed the entire time he was out there. He did not look nervous at all and seemed to have control of the offense every snap.

In his second preseason game, he was even more impressive. He played mostly against 1st string competition against the Jaguars. Pickett delivered under pressure and showed composure in the pocket. He finished the game 6-7 for 76 yards and 1 touchdown pass to Benny Snell. The only incompletion was a spike to stop the clock.

The one thing that stood out the most during both preseason games was Pickett’s in-game decisions. He read the whole field and went through his progressions before making a throw. Pickett never forced anything that wasn’t there and never seemed like any moment was too big for him.

Why Kenny Pickett should start for Steelers in Week 1

The Steelers know what they have with Mason Rudolph. He throws an excellent deep ball but is limited when it comes to reading the entire field and moving with his feet when a play breaks down. He tends to be conservative in big moments which is not a good recipe for a starter in this league. Rudolph is a great guy to have in the locker room and is a reliable backup, but he does not have what it takes to be a franchise-caliber quarterback.

When it comes to Mitch Trubisky, he is the definition of a bridge quarterback. This franchise does not need or should want this ever. They look to win every year no matter the circumstances. Everybody remembers the “Duck Hodges” season. They tried to win even when it looked like they had no chance. This year is no different and Pickett should be the one sailing the ship especially since he was drafted to do so.

There is still one more preseason game to go, but if Kenny Pickett continues to shine and outperform the other two quarterbacks, then he should be rewarded the starting job for week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Pickett is in a unique situation compared to your typical 1st round-drafted quarterbacks. He was a 4-year starter in college and played a combined 52 games while attending the University of Pittsburgh. Pickett is 24 years of age and should have more knowledge and experience at the position compared to a young 21-year-old kid that needs more development. He does not need to be groomed into the league. Have him start and see what you have in him right away.