Viewed through the prism of basic numbers and Kenny Pickett’s rookie season doesn’t look like anything to write home about. Seven touchdowns, nine interceptions, with a 63-percent completion rate that makes you shrug your shoulders and go, “This was the first quarterback drafted?”
Going beyond the box score, Pickett’s play produced hope. The Pittsburgh Steelers turned their season around, going 7-2 down the stretch, with Pickett leading back-to-back game-winning drives to beat the Las Vegas Raiders and Baltimore Ravens. Entering his second year, Pickett is the team’s clear starter. If his numbers can reflect improved play, Pittsburgh will strongly contend for the postseason.