Kenny Pickett sets 3 massive career milestones in Steelers win vs. Raiders
By Tommy Jaggi
The Pittsburgh Steelers have to be thrilled with the performance of their young quarterback in Week 3 -- especially after what we witnessed in the first two games of the 2023 season. For the first time this season, Kenny Pickett looked like the franchise quarterback that fans are all hoping he will become.
Against the Raiders on Sunday Night Football, Pickett stood tough in the pocket when necessary while still delivering impressive throws on the run and moving the chains with his legs. He did all of this despite a rushing attack that couldn't find much room on the ground and being under duress often by Maxx Crosby and the Raiders defensive front.
Obviously, it wasn't a perfect performance from Pickett. I can think of a few throws off the top of my head that the Steelers QB would no doubt love to have back. However, this might have been the best overall performance of his young career so far, and Pickett set career highs in three important categories.
1. Kenny Pickett sets career high in passing touchdowns in one game
Alright, let's state the obvious here: this wasn't a particularly high bar to clear. Prior to Sunday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders, Pickett had never recorded more than one touchdown pass in a single game. He doubled his all-time personal best with 2 passing scores in Week 3.
For most good quarterbacks, a pair of passing touchdowns is to be expected week in and week out, but there are plenty of other young QBs around the league right now who are really struggling. This wasn't a monstrous performance that is going to suddenly vault him into the discussion as a top-10 quarterback in the league. Rather, this is exactly what we needed to see from Pickett early in his second season after not seeing it at all last year.
This moving train can't stop here. We now need to see him reach that three-touchdown performance. But one step at a time. It might not seem like it, but this was a big milestone for Kenny Pickett, and I think we can expect many more games with at least two passing scores moving forward.