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Kenny Pickett Finding Voice in Steelers' Play-Calling Discussions

Kenny Pickett showcased his command of the Pittsburgh Steelers offense during the game-winning drive against the Colts.

Stephen Thompson

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PITTSBURGH -- On the road, playing against a formidable defense with the game on the line, Kenny Pickett made one of the best calls of his young career so far. After piloting the Pittsburgh Steelers down onto the doorstep of a game-winning score, Pickett made the play call that directed Benny Snell into the endzone, according to center Mason Cole. 

"He called the one we scored on. Kenny called that," center Mason Cole said. "He said let's run this. I was all for it because it was a running play." 

The Steelers held up on defense to preserve a one-touchdown lead and the team's fourth win of the year.  That game-winning call against the Colts in Indianapolis at the tail end of a tight, primetime game was further evidence of Pickett's maturation, according to head coach Mike Tomlin. As he becomes more comfortable with the offense, the confidence to call for plays he likes has followed. 

“I think it’s a natural progression," Tomlin said. "I just think the more he gains experience, the more he’s engaged in the process of game-readiness. The more there’s a give and take in communication about what’s appropriate from a play-selection standpoint. It’s natural business dealing with quarterbacks and their inclusion in the process.”

Cole also noticed the new-found confidence Pickett has, saying it's a reflection of his command of all that comes with being a starting quarterback in the NFL. 

"To see the confidence on third-and-two on the goal line, it's big," Cole said. "It's good to see. It's exciting to see. It shows who he is is a leader, and the command he has on the field is really cool."

Tomlin reiterated that this is what's expected of Pickett, who has taken steady steps forward with each passing week. He's been able to process the various coverages thrown his way more easily as time wears on. 

“That’s just the transition that everyone has to go through. It’s the same thing for receivers," Tomlin said. "The myriad of coverages and the bastard coverages that you see and the complexity of things that you see requires adjustments and thinking on your feet and running adjustments and it’s a challenge for all young people on offense."

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper. He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press. During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general. 

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