Pickett’s last stand: QB ready for one more ride at Pitt
3 years, 4 months ago

Pickett’s last stand: QB ready for one more ride at Pitt

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett remembers being a freshman at Pittsburgh in the summer of 2017 listening to the seniors tell the newcomers to enjoy the ride because of how quickly it goes. “I think there’s an opportunity for this team to have a really special year,” Pickett said. “If he has got to scramble, he has to scramble but we’d rather throw it to guys that are paid to catch the ball and run with it,” Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi said. “That’s something that I think he’ll be better about doing.” Narduzzi is well aware his team’s best chance for competing in the ACC’s typically up-for-grabs Coastal Division is with Pickett on the field. He’s just making great decisions and he can see it all now which I think in another year, another two years in the NFL is just going to help him.” Pickett could have made the leap to the pros this spring.

Panthers Pitt Narduzzi Pickett  ready  qb  season  offense  pitt  pickett  think  yards  theres  hes  really  panthers  running  stand  ride  picketts

History of this topic

Assessing the Steelers’ QB options at Senior Bowl: QB1 competition or finding a backup?
11 months ago

Assessing the Steelers’ QB options at Senior Bowl: QB1 competition or finding a backup?

New York Times  

MOBILE, Ala. — In the wake of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ first-round playoff flameout, coach Mike Tomlin was asked pointedly if Kenny Pickett will reclaim his title as QB1 next season. Pratt said in Mobile that he never had a personal quarterback coach until this offseason, when he began working with Tony Racioppi, who coincidentally is Kenny Pickett’s longtime personal QB …

Steelers owner Art Rooney II puts Kenny Pickett on notice: Need better QB play
11 months, 1 week ago

Steelers owner Art Rooney II puts Kenny Pickett on notice: Need better QB play

New York Times  

PITTSBURGH — Art Rooney II didn’t raise his voice even one decibel. “Mason Rudolph came in and showed, I think, what we’re capable of when we do get quality play at the quarterback position.” Rooney wasn’t taking a shot at Pickett. Now, heading into Pickett’s third season, Rooney ratcheted up the heat, even though Tomlin pretty much handed the starting …

Steelers QB Pickett denies speculation he told coaching staff he wouldn’t be No. 2 behind Rudolph
1 year ago

Steelers QB Pickett denies speculation he told coaching staff he wouldn’t be No. 2 behind Rudolph

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett says the coaching staff felt he wasn’t ready to play against Seattle, which is why he was inactive during Pittsburgh’s 30-23 win over the Seahawks. The second-year pro, who had right ankle surgery a month ago, denied online speculation that he told the coaching staff he didn’t want to suit up as a …

Mason Rudolph’s reward for Steelers’ win over the Bengals should be another start in Seattle
1 year ago

Mason Rudolph’s reward for Steelers’ win over the Bengals should be another start in Seattle

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Mason Rudolph didn’t get ahead of himself. So while the Pittsburgh Steelers longtime backup quarterback soaked in a dominant 34-11 win over Cincinnati on Saturday night in which he served not as a “freeloader” but a difference-maker while throwing for 290 yards and two long touchdowns, he made it a point not to peek into the future next …

DeFabo: For Steelers and Kenny Pickett, 2023 is already a failure, no matter how it ends
1 year, 1 month ago

DeFabo: For Steelers and Kenny Pickett, 2023 is already a failure, no matter how it ends

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Patriots vs Steelers on Thursday Night Football. PITTSBURGH — On Monday morning, less than 24 hours after the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered one of the most embarrassing losses of the Mike Tomlin era, Pittsburgh’s head coach delivered some mixed injury news. Quarterback Kenny Pickett aggravated his ankle injury when diving for the goal line in …

Kenny Pickett’s injury adds another concern for an offense searching for answers
1 year, 1 month ago

Kenny Pickett’s injury adds another concern for an offense searching for answers

New York Times  

PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett writhed in pain on the turf at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday. Cam Heyward strongly disagreed with the notion that the Steelers may have overlooked the two-win Cardinals pic.twitter.com/jsuBlRC2ej — Mike DeFabo December 3, 2023 However, Steelers running back Jaylen Warren said he felt the Steelers took the Cardinals “lightly.” “I think we expected to win instead …

Kenny Pickett is eyeing consistency as Steelers’ homestand ends with a visit from Packers
1 year, 1 month ago

Kenny Pickett is eyeing consistency as Steelers’ homestand ends with a visit from Packers

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — The Kenny Pickett the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted — the swaggy, sublimely confident and ultra-competitive quarterback who practically willed the University of Pittsburgh to an ACC title two years ago — is not always the Kenny Pickett that takes the field. “He’s awesome in the fourth quarter,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. PICKENS’ PLIGHT Steelers wide receiver George Pickens …

Steelers injuries: Kenny Pickett a ‘game-time decision’ vs. Titans; Minkah Fitzpatrick out
1 year, 2 months ago

Steelers injuries: Kenny Pickett a ‘game-time decision’ vs. Titans; Minkah Fitzpatrick out

New York Times  

The Athletic has live coverage of Steelers vs. Titans on Thursday Night Football Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett will be considered a “game-time decision” against the Tennessee Titans on Thursday after suffering a rib injury on Sunday, coach Mike Tomlin said Monday. He said it’s not just a matter of whether Pickett is medically cleared, but whether he can throw …

Steelers’ Pickett began his rookie season avoiding spotlight. Entering Year 2, it’s shining on him.
1 year, 3 months ago

Steelers’ Pickett began his rookie season avoiding spotlight. Entering Year 2, it’s shining on him.

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — A year ago, Kenny Pickett was a backup quarterback desperately trying to stay out of the way. “Kenny has that ‘it’,” left tackle Dan Moore Jr. said. “You either have ‘it’ or you don’t.” Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi saw that ‘it’ almost immediately after Pickett signed with the Panthers seven years ago in college. But he’s not afraid …

Pitt QB’s Phil Jurkovec’s college odyssey brings him to a familiar place - back home
1 year, 4 months ago

Pitt QB’s Phil Jurkovec’s college odyssey brings him to a familiar place - back home

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! “And I knew that his prior season didn’t go as well as he wanted it to go, and that if we brought him to Pittsburgh, that we could probably make a difference in his life giving him a chance to enjoy the game, have fun and …

Kenny Pickett and the Steelers’ starters cap an impressive preseason in a win over the Falcons
1 year, 4 months ago

Kenny Pickett and the Steelers’ starters cap an impressive preseason in a win over the Falcons

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Mike Tomlin didn’t waver in his decision to play quarterback Kenny Pickett and other Pittsburgh starters even when Atlanta coach Arthur Smith countered with his backups. Pickett led two touchdown drives and showed he and the Pittsburgh starters are ready for real games as the Steelers overpowered the Falcons 24-0 on Thursday night in the final preseason game …

Kenny Pickett caps perfect preseason, and more from Steelers’ rout of Falcons
1 year, 4 months ago

Kenny Pickett caps perfect preseason, and more from Steelers’ rout of Falcons

New York Times  

If you’re looking for one word to sum up Kenny Pickett’s preseason, “perfect” is a good place to start. “We went 2-for-2 with touchdowns, so that’s always a good sign.” During the Steelers’ opening series, Pickett marched the offense 92 yards in just eight plays thanks in large part to a pair of deep shots. On Pickett’s second — and …

Steelers display big-play ability as Pickett, Warren shine in 27-15 preseason victory over Bills
1 year, 4 months ago

Steelers display big-play ability as Pickett, Warren shine in 27-15 preseason victory over Bills

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers spent all of the spring and most of the summer talking about building an offense capable of big plays, the kind they’ve been lacking for large swaths of the past few seasons. Jaylen Warren sprinted practically untouched for a 62-yard score, Pickett delivered a perfect 25-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth and the Steelers breezed past …

Kenny Pickett has won every Steeler over entering Year 2: ‘Everybody loves Kenny’
1 year, 5 months ago

Kenny Pickett has won every Steeler over entering Year 2: ‘Everybody loves Kenny’

New York Times  

LATROBE, Pa. — Sure, the four game-winning drives as a rookie had something to do with it, but many quarterbacks have done that before. Kenny Pickett rolling into camp in Latrobe pic.twitter.com/J5NiuqgE87 — Mike DeFabo July 26, 2023 Unlike last year, when he was buried on the preseason depth chart behind Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, Pickett has an unusual …

Steelers OTAs: Kenny Pickett’s development, Matt Canada’s tweaks, LT battle
1 year, 7 months ago

Steelers OTAs: Kenny Pickett’s development, Matt Canada’s tweaks, LT battle

New York Times  

PITTSBURGH — “I’m undefeated, so things are good.” Mike Tomlin stuck his head in general manager Omar Khan’s interview inside his office at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex during “The Pat McAfee Show” on Thursday and unleashed one of his favorite sayings. His offenses haven’t quite lit it up in his two years as coordinator, even though you can make …

Steelers see Kenny Pickett as a star, and it’s unanimous: ‘We have our QB’
1 year, 10 months ago

Steelers see Kenny Pickett as a star, and it’s unanimous: ‘We have our QB’

New York Times  

INDIANAPOLIS — Check Steelers general manager Omar Khan off the list. And, of course, everybody knows what Mike Tomlin thinks of the first franchise quarterback he ever drafted, after the game-winning touchdown against the Ravens that spawned the apparent “Kenny Pickett” comment caught on the broadcast. Despite Pickett’s pedestrian numbers and an offense that was severely limited at times, the …

Kenny Pickett’s heroics keep Steelers alive (again), as intangibles become tangible
2 years ago

Kenny Pickett’s heroics keep Steelers alive (again), as intangibles become tangible

New York Times  

Kenny Pickett stepped into the huddle on Sunday night to face, arguably, the most significant moment of his young NFL career. GO DEEPER NFL playoff picture at Week 17: Steelers need help from Jets, Bills to make postseason “Can’t say enough about our young Q,” coach Mike Tomlin said. But whether the season extends beyond next week or not, Pickett’s …

Steelers expect QB Kenny Pickett to start against Raiders
2 years ago

Steelers expect QB Kenny Pickett to start against Raiders

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett should leave the concussion protocol this week, clearing the way for him to start on Saturday against Las Vegas. Pickett did not play in Sunday’s 24-16 victory over Carolina after sustaining his second concussion in two months early in a loss to Baltimore on Dec. 11. Mitch Trubisky played well while filling in, …

Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett learning on the job
2 years, 2 months ago

Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett learning on the job

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers tried to bring Kenny Pickett along slowly. While Tomlin stressed Pickett looks very much “like a fish in water,” the 24-year-old hasn’t been immune to the growing pains that were going to be inevitable whenever he took over. “It’s a process,” quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan said. We’re not all sitting here like, ‘Oh, it’s fine,’ …

How Steelers’ Kenny Pickett is trying to balance being a rookie QB and a leader
2 years, 2 months ago

How Steelers’ Kenny Pickett is trying to balance being a rookie QB and a leader

New York Times  

PITTSBURGH — When you hear things like, “Guys need to know what they’re doing,” and, “I don’t think we study enough as a group,” it might be written off as something a quarterback should and needs to say, especially moments following another inept performance that resulted in an embarrassing loss. #Steelers Kenny Pickett on what he means that they need …

Pickett orders Steelers to ‘study more’ after loss to Eagles
2 years, 2 months ago

Pickett orders Steelers to ‘study more’ after loss to Eagles

Associated Press  

PHILADELPHIA — Eagles coach Nick Sirianni knows Steelers fans often take over an opposing stadium and offer a slice of Pittsburgh with thousands of waves of their Terrible Towels. “When you’re going 14 plays, 16 plays, something’s going to happen sooner or later,” Pickett said. I’m going to assess what transpired from a collective perspective.” Wide receiver Chase Claypool threw …

Steelers QB Pickett clears concussion protocol, will start
2 years, 2 months ago

Steelers QB Pickett clears concussion protocol, will start

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett will start on Sunday night against Miami after being released from the NFL’s concussion protocol on Friday. Pickett, the 20th overall pick in the draft, left last week’s upset win over Tampa Bay in the third quarter after being knocked legally to the ground by Buccaneers linebacker Devin White. “If I didn’t, …

Steelers QB Pickett leaves with a possible concussion
2 years, 2 months ago

Steelers QB Pickett leaves with a possible concussion

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett left Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay in the third quarter after entering the league’s concussion protocol. Pickett’s head appeared to hit the turf after being legally pushed to the ground by Tampa Bay linebacker Devin White just after releasing a pass. Officials motioned for Pittsburgh’s training staff to tend to Pickett, who then …

QB Pickett dismisses Steelers being underdogs against Bills
2 years, 2 months ago

QB Pickett dismisses Steelers being underdogs against Bills

Associated Press  

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — In preparing to make his first NFL career start, Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett understandably dismisses the narrative of Pittsburgh having little chance of beating the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. “I’m not coming into this game off guard or anything.” Though many familiar faces remain from the Pittsburgh team Miller faced only a year ago in …

Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ trash-talking Goliath-slayer, is ready for his moment
2 years, 3 months ago

Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ trash-talking Goliath-slayer, is ready for his moment

New York Times  

The Miami Hurricanes rolled into Heinz Field on Nov. 24, 2017, unbeaten and unblemished. “He couldn’t have made a better choice.” Kenny Pickett’s easy-going nature and curly blonde flow tucked under his backward cap can, at times, camouflage his workman-like attitude, his underdog mentality and his Jersey toughness. GO DEEPER Kenny Pickett provides 'spark' but doomed by late turnovers, untimely …

Kenny Pickett’s 1st start is final step of an unlikely rise
2 years, 3 months ago

Kenny Pickett’s 1st start is final step of an unlikely rise

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — There was something about Kenny Pickett. Yes, that was Pickett jawing with New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams during his NFL debut last Sunday after throwing an 18-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth despite the 300-pound Williams launching himself directly — and cleanly — into Pickett’s chest. I kept that aspect from both sides of the ball from …

Kenny Pickett will be Steelers’ starting QB vs. Bills
2 years, 3 months ago

Kenny Pickett will be Steelers’ starting QB vs. Bills

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin never had a definitive timeline on when to hand the keys to the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense to Kenny Pickett. Asked as recently as a week ago how he would know it’s time, Tomlin shrugged and said simply “you just kind of know when you’re there.” The Steelers, off to a 1-3 start heading into the most …

Steelers tab Kenny Pickett: How will the offense look? What are fair expectations?
2 years, 3 months ago

Steelers tab Kenny Pickett: How will the offense look? What are fair expectations?

New York Times  

The first drive of the Kenny Pickett era provided a snapshot into the future of the Steelers’ offense. “I’m not gun-shy.” Jordan Whitehead comes down with the INT on the Kenny Pickett deep ball 📺: #NYJvsPIT on CBS 📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/95ssqnYCaC pic.twitter.com/vZzjnIQ6BJ — NFL October 2, 2022 From the minute Franco Harris stepped on stage at the draft …

Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett to make first start at Bills on Sunday
2 years, 3 months ago

Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett to make first start at Bills on Sunday

New York Times  

Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett will make his first career start Sunday against the Bills, coach Mike Tomlin said Tuesday, two days after Pickett replaced Mitch Trubisky in the team’s Week 4 loss to the Jets. Pickett completed 10 of 13 pass attempts for 120 yards and three interceptions in his regular-season debut, but also rushed for two touchdowns, becoming the …

Steelers’ Kenny Pickett provides ‘spark’ in debut, but doomed by late turnovers
2 years, 3 months ago

Steelers’ Kenny Pickett provides ‘spark’ in debut, but doomed by late turnovers

New York Times  

The boos rained down at Acrisure Stadium, and the “Ken-ny! “I told those guys, if they’re one-on-one, I’m going to give them a chance,” Pickett said. “I’m not gun-shy to throw downfield.” Pickett’s first official NFL pass will go down as an interception. “It’s frustrating losing to people that you know that you’re better than, more talented than,” said safety …

Steelers tab Pitt QB Kenny Pickett as Big Ben’s successor
2 years, 8 months ago

Steelers tab Pitt QB Kenny Pickett as Big Ben’s successor

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett stayed in school at Pittsburgh an extra year just so he could move next door. Now all the Pittsburgh Steelers’ newest quarterback has to do is replace a future Hall of Famer, beat out two veterans for the starting job and do it all while trying to maintain the perpetually high standard of a franchise that …

Steelers bet big on Pitt’s Kenny Pickett, 39 years after passing on Dan Marino: Bouchette
2 years, 8 months ago

Steelers bet big on Pitt’s Kenny Pickett, 39 years after passing on Dan Marino: Bouchette

New York Times  

Minutes before the Steelers made Kenny Pickett the first quarterback drafted into the NFL this year, I could not get an old vision out of my head. At that time, somewhere in the mid-1980s, the Steelers did not have a good quarterback as they likely did not have this year until about 10:15 p.m. That’s when they called Pickett at …

Confident Kenny Pickett taking NFL draft scrutiny in stride
2 years, 9 months ago

Confident Kenny Pickett taking NFL draft scrutiny in stride

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett spent last fall mounting an unlikely Heisman Trophy campaign while rewriting the Pittsburgh record book and l eading the Panthers to their first Atlantic Coast Conference title. He spent 30 minutes unleashing a variety of passes — some of them traveling in excess of 55 yards in the air from his gloved right hand — in …

Pickett-less Pitt turns to Patti in Peach Bowl
3 years ago

Pickett-less Pitt turns to Patti in Peach Bowl

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett walked into Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi’s office last week and spent 30 minutes laughing about the 13th-ranked Panthers’ remarkable season, one that carried them to the program’s first ACC title and Pickett to a prime spot on NFL draft boards. Narduzzi knew …

Pitt QB Pickett’s stock surging after ACC championship
3 years, 1 month ago

Pitt QB Pickett’s stock surging after ACC championship

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Pickett’s ascent to a likely Heisman Trophy candidate and a prospective first-round NFL draft pick took another big step forward as he threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a 58-yard score, helping Pittsburgh defeat Wake Forest 45-21 on Saturday night and giving …

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett to the Panthers? The Athletic’s draft expert says yes
3 years, 1 month ago

Pitt QB Kenny Pickett to the Panthers? The Athletic’s draft expert says yes

New York Times  

If the season ended today, the Panthers would hold the 10th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. 6 pick, which The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler predicted Matt Rhule would use on Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields. Panthers college scouting director Cole Spencer was among the nearly 40 scouts and GMs in Pittsburgh on Nov. 11 to see Pickett and …

In the ACC, picking the top quarterback won’t be easy task
3 years, 1 month ago

In the ACC, picking the top quarterback won’t be easy task

Associated Press  

Someone is getting snubbed. “I don’t think there’s another quarterback in the country doing more for his team than what Brennan is doing for us,” Virginia coach Bronco Mendenhall said. He’s now the Demon Deacons’ recordholder for career and single-season touchdown passes, is the catalyst for the highest-ranked team in the conference and can wrap up Wake’s first trip to …

Pickett, No. 25 Pitt escape Howell, UNC 30-23 in OT
3 years, 1 month ago

Pickett, No. 25 Pitt escape Howell, UNC 30-23 in OT

Associated Press  

The AP Top 25 college football poll is back every week throughout the season! Pitt’s defense did the rest, harassing Tar Heels star Sam Howell into a desperation fourth-down heave that landed in the outstretched arms of Panthers defensive back M.J. Devonshire to finish off a 30-23 victory. Pickett’s pass on the first snap of the Panthers’ next drive bounced …

Pickett, Howell square off as No. 25 Pitt hosts UNC
3 years, 1 month ago

Pickett, Howell square off as No. 25 Pitt hosts UNC

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett stole Sam Howell’s thunder. Now Pickett and the 25th-ranked Panthers are eager to grab something more valuable: The Coastal Division title most thought was the Tar Heels’ to lose two months ago. They’re gone.” If the Tar Heels can beat a ranked opponent for a second time in six days, the chaos that’s become the Coastal …

Same old Pitt? Pickett, No. 17 Panthers proving otherwise
3 years, 2 months ago

Same old Pitt? Pickett, No. 17 Panthers proving otherwise

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — The silence in the Pittsburgh locker room was deafening. Uaigalelei twice, once in the red zone to thwart a scoring opportunity and another linebacker SirVocea Dennis turned into a 50-yard touchdown that gave Pitt a 21-7 lead it didn’t really flirt with squandering. Pitt’s 464 total yards against the nation’s second-ranked scoring defense included 162 yards on the …

Pickett leads Pitt to 28-7 victory over Virginia Tech
3 years, 2 months ago

Pickett leads Pitt to 28-7 victory over Virginia Tech

Associated Press  

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Kenny Pickett threw two touchdown passes and rushed for a score to lead Pittsburgh to a 28-7 victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday. Just play Pitt football.” Pickett, arguably the leader for ACC Player of the Year at the season’s halfway point, now has thrown 21 touchdown passes and just one interception. “It’s my job to get …

Pitt’s Pickett emerging in ACC’s next wave of NFL-ready QBs
3 years, 2 months ago

Pitt’s Pickett emerging in ACC’s next wave of NFL-ready QBs

Associated Press  

ATLANTA — Kenny Pickett’s decision to return for his redshirt senior season is working out well for Pittsburgh, the nation’s top-scoring team. Pickett is poised to join North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Virginia’s Brennan Armstrong and possibly others in the next wave of Atlantic Coast Conference quarterbacks on NFL draft boards. Pitt leads the nation with 52.4 points per game following …

Pickett’s 2 TDs key Pitt rout of UMass, 51-7
3 years, 4 months ago

Pickett’s 2 TDs key Pitt rout of UMass, 51-7

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — Kenny Pickett threw for two touchdowns passes and the Pitt defense held Massachusetts to 209 yards of total offense as the Panthers cruised to a 51-7 season-opening victory on Saturday. The Panthers held UMass to 209 yards of total offense, sacking Lytle five times, making six tackles for loss and forcing a fumble. NEW FOCUS IN THE PASS …

Pitt eyeing one last run under longtime QB Kenny Pickett
3 years, 4 months ago

Pitt eyeing one last run under longtime QB Kenny Pickett

Associated Press  

PITTSBURGH — By Pat Narduzzi’s math, his skill position players ran so much during Pittsburgh’s offseason conditioning program — 113 miles to be exact — that they could have made it from the team’s training facility all the way to Akron, Ohio. Last season, Pitt was a couple of minutes away from the program’s first 4-0 start since 2000 when …

Discover Related