The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a 2023 season that will be very telling. With second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett entering the season as the unquestioned starter, many around the league are expecting a jump in his performance after a stellar end to the 2022 campaign.
To ensure Pickett will be put into the best position possible to succeed, Omar Khan and company have surrounded Pickett with a much improved supporting cast. However, what may end up being the best thing for improved and consistent play in 2023 is his improved repour with the Steelers number one wide receiver, Diontae Johnson.
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Enters 2023 As The QB1
Throughout Pickett's first offseason with the Steelers, he worked primarily as the third quarterback behind veterans Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph. This resulted in him receiving limited reps with Johnson throughout the summer, but a significant amount of reps with fellow rookie George Pickens. The high level of chemistry Pickett and Pickens had early on into Pickett's run as the team's starter was evident to all of Steeler Nation.
Pickett sat down with NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah and James Palmer during training camp. They talked about Pickett getting to work with Johnson heavily for the first time this offseason and what that means for their success.
"It's timing, it's the continuity with the guys like I was speaking on earlier. Playing with Tae, really the only reps I was getting with Tae was when I first got in there and we were going ya know in the season. So now that I had a full offseason with him, understanding his routes and how he gets open. Giving the guys YAC balls and giving them forward running balls and let them go, do their thing after the catch."
A lot of fans and media were quick to jump on Johnson's "poor" season, but in fact, he performed at a very similar level to years past where no one questioned his ability to be a top receiving option. While Pickett didn't have the same level of statistics that soon to be Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger had, his lack of playing time with Johnson was just as big of an issue to a poor season from Johnson on paper.
Seeing Johnson get on the same page with the Steelers new franchise signal-caller will be welcomed by all of Steeler Nation. Pickett mentioned giving Johnson and others the ability to gain yards after the catch, which has been such a big part of Johnson's game. Johnson went from gaining the 6th most YAC in 2021 to outside the top 40 in that category in 2022.
Along with being able to work with Johnson through the entirety of the 2023 offseason, the Steelers added a big body in the draft that may become a sneaky target for Pickett sooner rather than later. That would be the 6'7" tight end the team selected in the third round, Darnell Washington.
Washington was never a focal point for the Georgia Bulldogs offense during his time in college, but he made the most of his opportunities because of his elite size and athleticism combination. Pickett discussed the offensive line additions as well as the addition of Washington.
"The message was clear... offensively starting with the trenches and then moving out. Knowing that we are stout up front and we have depth, and we have versatile pieces we can use. Especially with Darnell [Washington] now, and seeing what he can do. It felt great as a quarterback knowing that is where we are starting offensively."
Pickett then answered a follow up question about if he ever had someone the size of Washington to throw to before. His answer was simple.
"No. He's king. He's got that crown for sure."
Getting on the same page with Johnson, heavy investments in the offensive line, and adding very unique chess pieces like Washington to the offense are all things that have Pickett grinning from ear to ear this offseason. As long as it results in the Steelers returning to the playoffs, as well as a potential postseason run, Steeler Nation will be as well.
Comment below what you think about Pickett's and Johnson's outlook in 2023 with a full offseason together, and whether you believe the Steelers made the correct moves to help Pickett take the next steps in his development!
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