Steelers' Kenny Pickett sets bizarre record

Kenny Pickett Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK

Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett sets bizarre record

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 10/3/22

Steelers QB Kenny Pickett replaced Mitch Trubisky in the second half of Pittsburgh's 24-20 loss to the Jets on Sunday. The rookie was inconsistent, but he didn't hesitate to pass into tight coverage when warranted.

Pickett also made history.

He went 10-for-13 for 120 yards in his debut, with no pass hitting the ground. (He also threw three interceptions.) It marked the most pass attempts in a game without the ball hitting the field in NFL history, per ESPN Stats & Info.

Zero of Kenny Pickett's 13 pass attempts against the Jets on Sunday hit the ground.

10 went to Steeler's receivers, while 3 found the hands of Jets' defenders.

That's the most pass attempts in a game in NFL history without any hitting the ground. pic.twitter.com/ybf2TXgKBX
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 3, 2022

Those who missed the game might view his interceptions as worrisome, but Pro Football Focus believes none of Pickett's throws were "turnover-worthy."

Kenny Pickett officially had 3 INTs in his NFL debut, but PFF charted him with *ZERO* turnover-worthy plays.

71.6 passing grade for the rookie pic.twitter.com/pj9YXPvo5F
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) October 3, 2022

The former first-round pick isn't the only quarterback to throw at least three interceptions in his NFL debut. Pickett joins the three-interception list that includes Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, and Andrew Luck, per TheScore's Daniel Valente.

Pickett told reporters that he's going to give his playmakers a chance in one-on-one situations, but that "sometimes the ball doesn't bounce your way."

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