Steelers HC Mike Tomlin adamantly defends QB Kenny Pickett

Since starting the season 2-2, Pickett and the Steelers have won three out of their last four to put themselves in a three-way tie for second place in the AFC North at 5-3. The Baltimore Ravens (who Pittsburgh beat in Week 5) lead the division at 7-2.

Despite the solid record, the Steelers are featuring a struggling offense that ranks third-to-last in the NFL in points scored (133), only ahead of the New York Giants (101) and New York Jets (132).

Pickett's overall numbers this season aren't pretty. Through eight games, the former first-round pick has posted a 61.3 completion percentage for 1,490 passing yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions for an 81.6 quarterback rating.

As Tomlin noted however, Pickett's numbers are significantly better in the fourth quarter than the rest of the game.

The 25-year-old's quarterback ratings in the first, second and third quarter are 49.7, 77.7 and 91.6, respectively. The number jumps up to 108.2 in the final frame.

Pickett's completion percentage (72.7) and passing yards (421) are also highest in the fourth quarter.

Pittsburgh hosts the Green Bay Packers in Week 10 before back-to-back crucial road games against divisional opponents in the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals in Weeks 11 and 12.