There are two sides to quarterback Kenny Pickett‘s regular-season debut for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He did have three interceptions, including the game-winning pick at the end zone by the New York Jets.
But from a different perspective, he completed ten passes out of 13 attempts for 120 yards.
He also scored two rushing touchdowns out of six carries.
Despite his blunders, the rookie from Pitt is getting some signs of approval from his teammates.
Diontae Johnson on Pickett: "When he came in we were just more efficient. You could see the energy. He played with swag. That makes us want to play for him. We have to get him better, and prepare for next week." #Steelers @937theFan
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) October 2, 2022
93.7 The Fan host Josh Rowntree shared a statement from wide receiver Diontae Johnson.
He said, “When he came in we were just more efficient. You could see the energy. He played with swag. That makes us want to play for him. We have to get him better, and prepare for next week.”
Pickett isn’t afraid to play at Acrisure Stadium because it was his home turf with the Pittsburgh Panthers.
It is the turf that helped him win ACC Player of the Year and First-Team All-ACC last year.
Week 4 of the 2022 NFL season could be the turning point for a new era in Steelers football.
However, head coach Mike Tomlin must first make up his mind on who will be their starter.
Mitchell Trubisky’s Role Diminished?
The Steelers signed Trubisky to a two-year contract during the offseason to become a bridge quarterback for the play-caller they selected in the 2022 draft.
That selection turned out to be Pickett, the only quarterback taken in the first round.
Unfortunately, he has struggled through the first four games, and Pittsburgh has a 1-3 record.
Therefore, having Pickett as the starter can help ignite the Steelers, as Johnson alluded to.
Tomlin clarified, though, that the starting role in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills will not automatically go to Pickett.
But if they need a spark on offense, the rookie already has the unit on his side.
NEXT: Mike Tomlin Comments On Week 5 Steelers QB Decision
