All Steelers

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Faces Historic Challenge Only Ben Roethlisberger Has Overcome

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Kenny Pickett is staring down a historically difficult start to his career in the NFL.

Stephen Thompson

In this story:

PITTSBURGH -- It was no secret that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett would face an uphill battle when he makes his first career start against the preseason Super Bowl favorites, the Buffalo Bills. The Bills took an unexpected loss on the road to Miami two weeks ago but the challenge they pose to the rookie quarterback will be of historic proportions. 

Buffalo currently leads the NFL in pass defense, allowing the fewest yards and second-fewest touchdowns through the air this season. Just one rookie quarterback has ever faced and beaten the league's best passing defense in their first career start and it was another Steeler - Ben Roethlisberger in 2004. 

Roethlisberger did it in 2004 against the stingy Miami Dolphins, coached by Western Pennsylvania native and former Pitt head coach, Dave Wannstedt. 

He didn't have to do much to get the win, though. Roethlisberger needed to complete just 54% of his passes for 163 yards, a touchdown and an interception to top the Dolphins in Miami while his defense held them to just three points. 

Pickett will face a Buffalo offense that is miles more talented and productive than that 2004 Miami unit that finished 28th in scoring and will likely need to produce more than Roethlisberger did for the Steelers to win.  

Even if Pickett gets past the Bills, he will still face a massively difficult schedule. The Steelers' next seven games will come against teams with a winning record. If PICKETT starts all seven contests, it will be the longest set of games played against winning teams to open a rookie quarterback's career since 1950. 

Find great deals on Steelers tickets from SI Tickets HERE

Make sure you bookmark All Steelers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns and so much more!

Five Steelers Defensive Backs Dealing With Injuries

Calvin Austin Ready to Play if Steelers Let Him

NFL Insider Believes Steelers Will Trade Mitch Trubisky

Kenny Pickett 'It Factor' Came Long Before Steelers Starter

Change Could Be Coming at Steelers Punt/Kick Returner

Published
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. 

Home/News