Enough talking. Enough analyzing. Enough with the bold predictions. It's almost time for the real thing. The Pittsburgh Steelers have generated plenty of buzz during the preseason, and much of it is thanks to quarterback Kenny Pickett.
The second-year pro has been so good, that some think he can lead this team to an AFC North title in 2023.
Can the Steelers really contend with the Bengals and Ravens at the top of the division? Sure, they can, and Pickett is the guy they're counting on to do so.
How does Pickett lead this group to an AFC North title? Specifically, there are three reasons I see for the crown coming back to Pittsburgh.
1. First and foremost, Kenny Pickett is controlling his destiny
There may not have been a more improved player from last year, to this year in the preseason, than Pickett. The Steelers offense looked like a well-oiled machine with Pickett under center. He was far more decisive and accurate with his throws, and many noticed that he looked a whole lot stronger than he did a year ago.
He looks like he's ready to be more aggressive, overall, too, which is something Steelers fans would love to see.
But, maybe the biggest reason for his leap in Year 2 and his ability to help this football team win games is his evolution as a leader. Throughout the summer months and preseason, there have been countless reports about how Pickett has grown in his leadership, and that isn't something easily done in this league. Just ask Zach Wilson.
Pickett's teammates are behind him and have faith in his talent and ability to lead. The young quarterback is ready to take a jump, and if he does so, the Steelers are right in the thick of this division race.
2. George Pickens can help carry this offense to new heights, if he gets the opportunity
There has been a connection between Pickett and George Pickens since the day they became teammates. It was clear that these two were going to share a special relationship going forward, and we have only witnessed the beginning.
The questions surrounding Pickens, coming out of college, have since dwindled and he's been able to handle himself as a pro, for the most part. All he has done since coming to the Steelers is make plays; and not just any type of plays. This guy is a human highlight reel.
But, that also shows Pickens' ability to change the outcome of games. He has the skill set to become as impactful as some of the better receivers in football today if he's given the opportunity. In 2022, Pickens saw a 15.6 percent target share, which was good for no. 58 among qualified receivers. If Pickett targets him more frequently and that number rises to over 20 percent, Pickens will go over 1,000 yards with at least six touchdowns, and he'll do it with ease.
It's not just about the simple numbers, though. Pickens was third in the NFL in average target distance at 15.6 yards. But, he was 48th in overall targets. He is a big play waiting to happen. It's pretty simple. Get Pickens more targets and good things are going to happen. Pickett will see more success. The Steelers will see more success. In turn, that equals more wins and, hopefully, a division title.
3. The defense is going to give PIckett a fighting chance week-in and week-out
Last season, the Steelers finished as the league's no. 13 overall defense in total yards allowed. You might not have guessed they finished in the top half, judging by their season as a whole, but they sure did. And, they did so with T.J. Watt missing seven games.
This season, the unit as a whole looks much better. Watt is healthy. Alex Highsmith has been paid. The Steelers also may have found a mid-round gem in pass rusher Nick Herbig out of Wisconsin, giving the team a ton of depth at that position. If anything, Pittsburgh is going to be getting after the quarterback on a regular basis.
In a division featuring Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and a possibly-resurging Deshaun Watson, that's going to come in clutch.
The Steelers have a strong trio of rookies, one at each level of the defense, to ensure they maintain the tradition of being a hard-nosed group on that side of the ball. All in all, this defense is going to make sure Pickett gets his opportunities week-in and week-out to win football games.