The clock may already be ticking on Steelers QB Kenny Pickett

The Pittsburgh Steelers have earned a reputation for their unparalleled loyalty to their players, which has been a cornerstone of their team culture in the National Football League. This commitment has been instrumental in retaining veteran leaders and fostering continuity within the organization. However, this loyalty has occasionally led them to hold onto players longer than is prudent.

Historically, the Steelers have been known to overpay aging players based on past performances and retain their own players beyond their prime. For instance, they allowed Jarvis Jones to start for four years and Artie Burns for three before acknowledging their lack of effectiveness.

Currently, after just two games into the season, there are concerns among fans about whether Kenny Pickett is the solution at the quarterback position. This apprehension is justified given the evolving landscape of the league, where players are expected to produce results more quickly than before.

In the past, players were given time to develop, as exemplified by Troy Polamalu and Cameron Heyward, who didn’t earn their first starts until their second and third NFL seasons, respectively. However, the modern NFL demands immediate impact, leading to shorter leashes for both coaches and players.

Recent examples from the 2021 NFL Draft highlight this trend, with teams like the New York Jets and the San Francisco 49ers making bold moves at the quarterback position. Despite significant investments in players like Zach Wilson and Trey Lance, both teams quickly reassessed their situations and made changes when necessary.

Now, the focus shifts to Kenny Pickett, the Steelers’ second-year quarterback. Despite showing promise in his rookie year and a strong preseason in 2023, Pickett’s performance in his first two regular-season games has been underwhelming. While factors such as poor offensive line protection, questionable playcalling, and tough opponents have contributed to his struggles, it’s evident that the Steelers need better results.

Without the defensive scores against the Browns, Pittsburgh’s offense is averaging a mere 9.5 points per game in the first two contests, underscoring the urgency for improvement.