Steelers fans go berserk after Kenny Pickett makes NFL debut vs Jets

Kenny Pickett made his debut in the second half of the Steelers’ loss against the Jets. Here is how Steelers fans reacted on Twitter.

As Kenny Pickett took the field to start the second half of the Steelers’ Week four matchup against the Jets, Acrisure Stadium and social media broke out in celebration. Finally, Steelers fans got their wish, to see their first-round draft pick get some action in a regular season game.

The ‘Kenny’ chants were shouted early and often as the Steelers struggled to score points. After a disappointing first half, coach Mike Tomlin declared Kenny Pickett the starter coming out of halftime.

This news gave fans hope, that maybe, just maybe, the Steelers could turn the game around and beat the Jets at home. As Pickett took the field, the offense looked like it could actually score a touchdown to make this game competitive.

In his first drive, Pickett handed the ball off to the running back for three plays before sneaking a first down on a 4th and 1. A successful QB sneak, something that Steelers fans have been deprived of for some time now.

In the same drive, Pickett flashed his arm strength and threw a 50-yard pass to Chase Claypool that he bobbled right into the defender’s hands. Causing his first NFL pass to be caught for an interception.

If you thought the Steelers were going to abandon the quarterback sneak after successfully using it once, you were wrong. Pickett was able to sneak his way into the endzone on a goal-line drive that marked his first NFL touchdown.

There was no way Kenny was going to let this opportunity to prove himself go to waste. He brought a much-needed spark to the offense and he turned that spark into a flame.

Pickett scored his second touchdown using his legs, again, on a short run into the endzone.

Pickett finished the game with a strong and deep hail mary pass with the hopes of scoring to record his first win, but the pass was intercepted. That interception marked his third interception in his debut.

Could the Steelers have given Pickett more preparation and reps to make the most out of this opportunity? One fan thinks so:

Pickett’s mobility and willingness to throw deep balls down the field is what this offense needed. The spark he provided the offense did not result in a win, but he gave his receivers chances to make plays. He fearlessly pushed the ball downfield as a veteran quarterback would, but he made mistakes that are part of the learning process for a rookie.

After today’s performance, it is clear to see that the Steelers should stick with Pickett and look to rebuild for next season.