LATROBE, PA (93.7 The Fan) – Matt Canada told 93.7 The Fan of his praise for the offseason work of his quarterback. Kenny Pickett has similar good feelings about his offensive coordinator with the Steelers first preseason game approaching.
“Coach has done a great job of adding some things, Coach Canada, and we are dialing them up in practice,” Pickett said Tuesday. “The things we added have worked really well. I’m glad we have them in the system. We took some things out.”
“I believe we ironed out all the things we want to do and we came here and having some success with it and want to continue that.”
The second-year pro went on to explain how much better he is at recognizing defense pre-snap and when he makes changes, what is available to him. He said the offense is doing more than last year-has more options of plays and skill players. Pickett also feels more comfortable and is starting to take ownership of this system.
“We’re definitely taking more shots down the field,” Pickett said. “Everyone here has seen that. We are more consistent in the red zone. It’s been great to see how competitive we’ve been in ‘7-shots’ and win a lot of the drills and red zone stuff. Our defense is top notch, so when you are having a little bit of success versus them, I hope we will fare alright in the season.”
The offense is making good strides and really picking up where they left off with voluntary work in the Spring into mini-camp. He also thinks competition at many positions has made them better.
Tuesday after practice, Pickett said he hasn’t had talks with coaches about if he will play Friday night or if he does, how long. He was worried about preparing for that day’s practice, but wants to play as long as they would let him against Tampa Bay. Pickett looking to see that improved chemistry with his receivers show up on the field.
“I think it’s a pretty big difference,” Pickett said of their relationship this year. “Having an offseason, having a Spring, an early Summer. All the reps I’m getting is just with the guys I’ll be playing with where last year I had zero. I feel a lot more comfortable with these guys and the timing and the rhythm in the passing game is where we need it to be.”
And he added the receivers this year are where they need to be as well.
One of the battles during camp is who will be the fourth receiver in the mix. Second-year speedster Calvin Austin, 6’5” Hakeem Butler, solid special teamers Miles Boykin and Cody White. There is one other in the conversation who has really stepped up in Pickett’s eyes.
“A guy I worked really hard with in the offseason, that puts a lot of time in, and plays as hard as I’ve seen a guy play is Gunner,” Pickett said. “Gunner Olszewski, he’s reliable. He shows up every day. Whatever position he is asked to do, he knows all of them. He’ll stick his nose in there in the run game. I have a ton of great things to say about Gunner.”
Austin is listed as the top returner ahead of Gunner right now, but there is over a month still until the first game. What these receivers do, not just on offense, but on special teams will give you an idea what they are thinking. You normally dress five, maybe six receivers. But if you like all four tight ends, how do you get them all a helmet on Sundays. Then there is the quandary with offensive lineman Kendrick Green.
For the first time in his Steelers career, the third-year pro is really opening eyes, but as a fullback or H-back. It started with a few snaps and a pass reception during Friday Night Lights at the Latrobe Memorial HS field and it’s grown every day.
“KG is freak athletic,” Pickett said.
“I did not know he was that athletic. They tried to get a tackle low, he put his hand down and kept running. That’s not normal stuff for guys that are that big.
He’s an asset that we are going to look forward to using.”
Even if Pickett doesn’t play a lot, much to watch for on KDKA-TV Friday night at Tampa Bay.