Though Kenny Pickett’s numbers might not jump off the page, 17-of-25, 230 yards, and no touchdowns, the quality of his play rose above those numbers. With an excellent fourth quarter and second-half surge, Pickett led Pittsburgh to an upset win over the Los Angeles Rams Sunday afternoon.
Pro Football Focus’ grades took notice of his play. Heading into the Monday night game, Pickett is the fifth-best quarterback of the weekend with the fourth-highest passing grade. It’s also the highest marks he’s received from the site all season.
Per PFF, the only quarterbacks who have had a higher passing grade in Week Seven are Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, and Miami’s Tua Tagovailoa. Otherwise known as three of the top quarterbacks in football and three names squarely in the MVP conversation. Pickett’s 78.3 passing grade was a tier down from those three, all graded in the 80s, but it’s still a strong number.
Pickett came alive in the fourth quarter of yesterday’s game. He went 7-of-7 for 138 yards in the final 15 minutes, leading two touchdown drives. He didn’t throw for a touchdown but got the Steelers in the red zone, where they went 3-for-3 with their first three rushing scores of the season.
Over his last two games, he’s found his rhythm as a sideline thrower, peppering WR George Pickens with back-shoulder throws that weren’t there the first month of the season. WR Diontae Johnson’s return from injured reserve also played a big factor in the Steelers’ resurgent passing game. His ability to separate and get open was sorely missed. Credit should also be given to OC Matt Canada for a well-called game, especially in the red zone, that gave the offense some quick wins to move the ball.
While Pittsburgh’s offense has work to do, the Steelers are still not scoring early and playing from behind, it showed progress against a solid Rams defense. They avoided a high rate of negative plays, took care of the ball, and the running game looked as strong as it has all year. Overall, Pickett was sharp and accurate, and the team adjusted against the Rams’ overload blitzes that gave the offense trouble early in the game.
Pickett will look to keep playing well Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who come into the game with one of the league’s weaker pass defenses.
