Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett continues to step up as a leader after his rookie season. Since the conclusion of a frustrating 2022 campaign, the offense has been seen together. Pickett, along with veteran QB Mitch Trubisky, worked out with the skill position players in Miami, Florida for the second consecutive offseason. Trubisky's inclusion was a slight surprise, given that many thought he could be a cap casualty this offseason.
Pickett’s quarterback coach, Tony Racioppi, told Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that it was all the youngster that set up the workouts. Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, and the whole crew showed up to build chemistry and work on their games. Small things like this can go a long way in helping to improve the offense in 2023. Racioppi had this to say via Batko:
"This was all him [Pickett]," Racioppi said in regards to the workout in Miami. "I helped him through the workout, but he set this whole thing up, he got dates, made sure everyone was down here, put the workout together as far as the routes and concepts. I just helped him through that stuff. He did a great job, as usual. That’s just who he is."
Sometimes people put too much stock into things like this. For a guy entering his second season though, Pickett’s leadership seems to already be on full display, and it seems like he’ll take on more of that role in 2023. With one of the youngest offenses in the NFL and the absence of Ben Roethlisberger in 2022, the unit lacked leadership at times. Mason Cole stepped up, as did running back Najee Harris in his second season.
Still, the quarterback position typically is the leader of the team. Trubisky seems likely to remain on the team next season now, so he can take on a leadership role as well. In fact, general manager Omar Khan recently told the media that he would like Trubisky to be a Steeler for quite some time. Hopefully the workouts in Florida help translate to better chemistry with the wideouts, including Johnson.
Will Steelers' QB1 Pickett become more of a leader in 2023?
Johnson was often lost in the fray at times last year, as he failed to eclipse 1,000 yards in 17 games. Not only did he have just 882 yards on 86 catches, but the four-year wideout was also held without a touchdown. If Pickett and Johnson can form a connection, it should help the WR get back to his 2021 form. Everyone knows how elite he is at separation and getting open, it's a matter of the finishing product.
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