PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers Mike Tomlin freely admits they need more from Kenny Pickett. It's not that he's unhappy with his quarterback, he's actually doing his job as defined by the head coach.
"Guys like Kenny and myself, we are measured by wins and losses," Tomlin said Tuesday. "He and I talk about that often and openly. We know what our jobs are. Our jobs are to win."
He's won six of nine games this year and for his career is 13-8. So, in measuring by wins and losses, Pickett has been successful. When you start digging into the numbers, it's where Tomlin knows he needs more. The second-year QB is 28th in the league in touchdown passes (6), 30th in completion percentage (61.3%), 26th in passing yards (1616), but only has four interceptions and none since October 1.
Sam Howell leads the NFL in passing yards, yet Washington is 4-6. Rams Jared Goff is fifth in passing yards, LA is 3-6. Justin Herbert is a fantasy favorite with 17 touchdowns and five touchdowns and the Chargers are 4-5.
From the beginning of last year, the edict from Tomlin is to not turn it over, not take chances, have the younger offense allow the experienced defense to make plays. Risk averse might be the best term, and then have the O make plays in the fourth quarter.
Pickett doesn't wilt in clutch moments, it's actually where he brings his best. Not that all of it can't improve, and better improve, if the Steelers are going to live up to internal expectations for the season, let alone the fans.
"Down-in and down-out, are there some things to work on, certainly," Tomlin said. "It's not like we are going to start on Wednesday working on those things. We've been working on those things."
"We will continue until we get the desired results."
