The Pittsburgh Steelers preseason has been one full of highlights for Kenny Pickett.
With Ben Roethlisberger no longer in the Steel City, the team needs a new leader under center.
However, rushing Pickett into that role based on his amazing preseason isn’t the answer.
Despite the good he’s doing now, he still has plenty to learn before turning into the new leader.
So what is going on now with Pickett during the preseason that has people wanting to rush him into a starting role?
Pickett’s Preseason Dominance Has Wowed Everyone
The rookie QB came out the door on fire with the Steelers in the preseason.
His first game saw him go 13 for 15 with 95 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The next game saw him go six for seven, passing for 76 yards and one touchdown.
Those preseason performances are having people want Pickett as the starting quarterback.
START KENNY PICKETT. THE FUTURE IS NOW.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) August 21, 2022
Fans believe, after seeing those games, that he’s the one for Pittsburgh.
It is not going to take long for Kenny Pickett to start, he is the one pic.twitter.com/W1N1nKOdnm
— chris (@chrisburgh) August 21, 2022
However, they can’t let those games push Pickett into a fire before he’s ready.
But that’s not stopping the Steelers faithful from voicing their options on the young QB.
The Case For Letting Pickett Wait Past Week One
A look back in history gives the Steelers a reason to wait on their rookie QB this season.
Back before Big Ben got his first start, Tommy Maddox was the starting QB for the team.
He would start the season with a win, but lose to the Baltimore Ravens in a week two matchup.
That game would see him face an injury that would push Big Ben into the starting role.
Ben would go on to post a 13-0 record as a starting QB his rookie season, making him the starting QB for Pittsburgh.
I was 14 years old when Ben Roethlisberger was drafted to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2004. Got to watch him take over Tommy Maddox and go 13-0 in his rookie year. Year later i was a freshman in high school when the Steelers won the Superbowl in 2005. #ThankYouBen pic.twitter.com/uii9onySGM
— Joshua Travis (@Maddog_219) December 4, 2021
While plans for him were to sit the entire rookie season, the injury to Maddox pushed him into the fire.
However, he did at least get some time to watch his team before taking over.
While some Steelers fans would love to see a repeat of that performance with Pickett, lightning won’t strike twice.
The offensive talent around Big Ben back in 2004 was much better than what the Steelers have now in 2022
That’s why they should let Pickett sit and learn from others now, even though he looks ready.
Mitch Trubisky Needs A Chance Before Sending In Pickett
Some NFL fans and pundits believe Mitch Trubisky is a product of poor coaching.
They feel he could succeed, given the right coaching behind him.
With him in the hands of Mike Tomlin, he’s got a top-notch coach.
So if coaching was the reason behind his poor play, Tomlin and the Steelers coaching staff can fix that problem.
That’s why he should be allowed to prove himself before rushing Pickett into the starting quarterback role.
Allow him to show if he’s good, or if he’s truly a bust.
The Steelers already took a chance by signing him before the NFL draft.
They should give him the chance to show them it was the right choice to make before handing things over to Pickett.
NEXT: Kenny Pickett Is Making NFL Rookie History