Steelers teammates like rookie QB Kenny Pickett's 'swagger'
In a 24-20 loss against the Jets, rookie QB Kenny Pickett added flavor to the bland entree that has been the Steelers' offense. Teammates loved it.
"He plays with swagger," said wide receiver Diontae Johnson in a Monday news conference. "Everybody respects him."
The 24-year-old former Pitt star replaced Mitch Trubisky in the third quarter against the Jets. He showed little fear, chucking the ball downfield, powering for two rushing TDs and finishing 10-for-13 passing for 120 yards.
"He's a gamer," tight end Pat Friermuth said in a Monday news conference.
Teammates may be enamored with Pickett's poise, but he needs refinement.
He threw three interceptions. His first professional pass in the regular season was intercepted. Another interception led to the Jets' winning drive.
Teammates still defended him, noting that his willingness to take risks shows his confidence.
"He's going to throw interceptions and what-not," Johnson said. "It's how you respond, and he responded in a great manner by still getting into the end zone. That's the spark we needed."
Head coach Mike Tomlin grudgingly admitted after the game that the Steelers needed "spark." He didn't praise Pickett's picks, however.
"I thought ... there was some energy there, we scored some touchdowns, but obviously we turned the ball over," Tomlin said in a post-game news conference.
Tomlin has not named Pickett as the starter against the Bills in Week 5. If his teammates have a say, the answer seems obvious.
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