Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett after NFL debut: 'I just play with an edge'

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 10/3/22

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered their third straight loss Sunday, a 24-20 defeat at the hands of the New York Jets, but rookie QB Kenny Pickett provided a spark in his first regular season game action. Pittsburgh may have found its new offensive leader.

"I just play with an edge," Pickett told reporters. "I think that was something I wanted to bring to the table. I do not like to lose. It's not a good feeling. I don't want it to be a familiar feeling. I definitely want to get back out there and get a victory and get us back on track."

QB Kenny Pickett addresses the media following our game against the Jets. pic.twitter.com/c8rbEkrIqK
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 2, 2022

The Steelers' 2022 first-round pick rushed for two touchdowns, becoming the first quarterback in NFL history to have multiple rushing touchdowns in his first career game, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Pickett, who replaced an ineffective Mitch Trubisky in the second half, showed toughness and demonstrated he was prepared.

"I knew every call in the plan," Pickett said.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wouldn't commit to naming Pickett the full-time starter, but it's hard to believe he won't.

The Steelers face a gauntlet over the next several weeks, with games against the Bills, Buccaneers, Dolphins and Eagles. But it seems time for Pittsburgh to ride with the rookie.

More must-reads: