Steelers’ Mike Tomlin says Kenny Pickett is improving as a leader, and it’s the ‘biggest difference’ for QB

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett looks as if he is improving as he enters his moment season in the league, with forged preseason play. Not simplest is his efficiency on the box getting higher, however head trainer Mike Tomlin says the 25-year-old is additionally making strides off the box together with his have an effect on in the locker room.

Tomlin did contact on how Pickett regarded in the preseason video games, announcing he has been “really solid.” However, what is he is maximum inspired by means of is how Pickett is rising as a chief. The longtime trainer says it is that roughly adulthood that is an important to being a a success staff.

“The leadership things, the communication things, the bringing-people-together things,” Tomlin mentioned, by way of NBC Sports. “That is significant. It’s not play related, but it is. He is the catalyst for that unit, he controls the pace and the tenor of that unit, and I think if he’s comfortable that unit is comfortable, and I think that’s been the biggest difference.”

In Pickett’s first preseason game he went 6-for-7 with 70 yards and one landing. In his moment appearing he went 3-4 for 43 yards and one landing, and in the ultimate preseason game he was once a best 4-for-4 with 86 yards in the air. The Steelers gained all 3 video games and with extra revel in each in the management place and on the box, they’ve attainable for a profitable season.

In 2022, Pickett began 12 video games, throwing for 2,404 yards, seven touchdowns and 9 interceptions. If he continues the method he is enjoying now, the second-year QB will see an uptick in his stats from his rookie 12 months.

Pickett is now not hanging an excessive amount of stake in his August efficiency, announcing (via The Athletic), “It is preseason, man. Nothing counts, so it is kind of easy to remain motivated because we haven’t done anything yet. Everybody understands that.”

The Steelers will get started enjoying video games that do depend on Sept. 10 once they host the San Francisco 49ers.