Three Steelers Rookies Provided Great Hope For Future In Season Finale

The trio of quarterback Kenny Pickett, wide receiver George Pickens and tight end Connor Heyward provided the fan base with tons of excitement heading into the offseason. All of them played key roles in the win against Cleveland and deserve to be recognized. Pickett continued his mistake-free play and while he only threw for 195 yards and a touchdown, he was awesome on third down the entire game.

Pickett found Pickens wide open on 3rd and 15 towards the end of a second quarter which led to a 31-yard touchdown and the first score of the day for Pittsburgh. The rookie wide receiver finished the game with three receptions for 72 yards and the score. He was Pickett’s favorite target and despite only connecting three times, their chemistry improved throughout the year and they are going to be a great duo for the future.

The offense converted on 60% (9/15) of third downs including two absolutely huge passes on the team’s final touchdown drive of the season. Pickens was clearly being held, but miraculously adjusted and caught a 17-yard pass on 3rd and 10. Shortly after, Pickett trusted Heyward, who he found earlier on the drive for a 9-yard gain, on a third down as well. It all but sealed the victory on 3rd and 8, when Heyward caught a beautiful ball from Pickett 27 yards down the middle of the field.

That wasn’t it on the final drive for the quarterback and tight end. On another 3rd and 8 from the Browns’ 12-yard line, Pickett once again found Heyward for a nine-yard gain which then set up a Najee Harris game-clinching touchdown. Heyward may not have normally received the opportunity to make three big plays late, but starter, Pat Freiermuth had to be helped off the field in the second half which was appeared to be a knee injury.

The Steelers have a strong young core and Pickens is going to give Diontae Johnson a run for his money as the offense’s true #1 wide receiver next season. As for Heyward, he may just slide into the #2 TE spot and maybe even be the top guy to start the 2023 season if Freiermuth’s injury is serious.

The defense for Pittsburgh is a veteran group that held things together for the majority of games this season. The young offense improved each week and has the potential to turn into something special. The question now looms: did highly-criticized offensive coordinator Matt Canada do enough after the team’s bye week to ensure himself another year at the helm? Or will Tomlin decide he wants someone else to lead the young core on offense?