The Eternity of QB Mediocrity and the Ensuing Substandard

[Jobu]

I dont understand how someone can definitively say Kenny sucks based on the information we have.

I can see people saying he will probably suck, if they're basing it on his college career or measurables (hand size, arm strength. etc..)

But he hasnt had a chance in the NFL to develop. Ben, future hall of famer, played horribly in the Canada offense right? We assumed it was his age and physical condition, and maybe it was... but maybe it had more to do with the scheme than we thought.

My fear is we keep rotating QBs into this putrid coaching mess and we keep getting the same result.

5 years of college film. He might be a fine backup in the league.

Exactly. We have tape on the dude. He’s the same guy with the feathered hair from Pitt. He’s approaching 30.

But please people continue to keep your head in the sand about him.

Ehh, there are those that want him to be the guy because he’s the Steelers pick. I get it. But pretending that he’s good, isn’t going to make him good. Kinda the same way that some think the Steelers defense is good and that this team is “talented”.
Unfortunately, even if KP isn’t the guy, the Steelers aren’t going to move on until his rookie contract expires. You can count on that…

[Kodiak.]

Exactly. We have tape on the dude. He’s the same guy with the feathered hair from Pitt. He’s approaching 30.

But please people continue to keep your head in the sand about him.

But you gotta admit....they knew what they were doing when they drafted the kid from Pitt....

I should probably just make this my signature: This year it's Canada, Next Year it's Kenny, and Year 3 it's finally Tomlin

[Orangesteel]

Is the question am I surprised a scouting group that had a “first round grade” on Mason Rudolph took Kenny with a massive reach pick well before he should have gone?

No, I am not surprised. There is rot within the organization and nothing will get better until your remove the rot and start fresh.

[Professor Half Wit]

Anybody that wasn't Ben was going to be hated by a certain crew here.

Weird to see a Steelers player actively rooted against, but that's fans for you.

Pickett might not be the guy but he's nowhere near the biggest problem in Steelerland.

Matt Canada is.

Even more so, Mike Tomlin is.

I won't go over the defenses issues now, but they have many.

On offense, the square peg/round hole approach to offensive philosophy won't allow any QB to excel.

The offensive line is playing brutally bad, but I'm beginning to wonder if that's because they simply don't buy in to what Matt Canada want to do.

Same thing with Kenny Pickett really. He doesn't trust his o-line and he doesn't trust the philosophy.

The Steelers run too many 7 or 8 yard plays. They run too often on 2nd down. The offense is stale. Boring to watch.

Imagine what these guys feel like lining up when you know the defense absolutely knows what's coming.

I'm not even really mad at the players. None of them on offense.

I feel bad for them.

Anyone who sucks that’s not Ben was going to be hated.

Kenny doesn’t look like the dude to me.

The WORST thing that could happen is KP is out for the season. Bc if so, coaches will say he hasn’t had enough time to be judged. Much better he keeps playing and sucking so we can move on sooner rather than later.

[Kodiak.]

Is the question am I surprised a scouting group that had a “first round grade” on Mason Rudolph took Kenny with a massive reach pick well before he should have gone?

No, I am not surprised. There is rot within the organization and nothing will get better until your remove the rot and start fresh.

But you can't underestimate the value of seeing the kid in your building every day. They knew something that no one else did, because they got to see him every day in their building.

It is yet to be revealed what it is they saw, getting to see the kid every day in their building. But I'm giving them the benefit of doubt, because unlike me they got to see the kid every day in their building. You have to think that matters - what team wouldn't want a chance to watch a guy every day in their building for 5 years?

[Orangesteel]

Is the question am I surprised a scouting group that had a “first round grade” on Mason Rudolph took Kenny with a massive reach pick well before he should have gone?

No, I am not surprised. There is rot within the organization and nothing will get better until your remove the rot and start fresh.

But you can't underestimate the value of seeing the kid in your building every day. They knew something that no one else did, because they got to see him every day in their building.

It is yet to be revealed what it is they saw, getting to see the kid every day in their building. But I'm giving them the benefit of doubt, because unlike me they got to see the kid every day in their building. You have to think that matters - what team wouldn't want a chance to watch a guy every day in their building for 5 years?

[bradshaw2ben]

Hey Resident Steeler Fans. I have been fairly outward about my support of Kenny, even through his struggles, and theres actually a good reason.

What many NFL teams (not usually named the Steelers) go through is a pattern of QB misery. Here's how it goes.

Phase 1: Team sucks and drafts a QB in a high round. Hope springs eternal among the fan base. This QB will be the one that saves the franchise. He has the tools, its finally their time.

Phase 2. Rookie QB may or may not play his first year, but more often than not he ends up coming in. Unless he is running type QB he struggles. He has good games and bad games. Great throws and terrible throws. Season 1 ends poorly however the fan base is excited about the future with their new QB.

Phase 3. Season 2 starts. The QB often slumps. Here's why... The team is bad. The coaching is bad. None of that has changed. However now the second year QB has a name and some tape in the NFL, he has higher expectations on him, less room for error. Teams are ready. Playing QB in the NFL is HARD. Even the best pocket passers need a lot of time to develop. To learn to read a defense pre snap. To learn to read the defense during a drop back. Getting footwork down, developing timing with you receivers, adjusting to the speed of NFL defensive backs. Adjusting to the speed of NFL defensive lineman. Young QBs have a head full of information and have to learn to both use that information, and turn it off. So the QB struggles, the fan base gets impatient. They want to win now. Cracks begin to show in the support foundation of their QB.

Phase 4. The 'move on' phase. The team needs a change at QB. Our guy wasnt the guy. after all We still arent winning and heads need to roll. Changes need to be made. The blame game starts with the QB. He either gets hurt or gets benched. The team continues to suck. Time to look towards the future.

Phase 5. Team sucks and drafts a QB in a high round. Hope springs eternal among the fan base. This QB will be the one that saves the franchise. He has the tools, its finally their time.


So back to my first thought regarding my support for Kenny. I dont know if he's the guy or not. Here's what I do know - that it takes a long time for a pocket passer to develop in the NFL. A Long time. Most QBs never get enough time to develop. Thats the truth. Its a win now league.

There are some traits that cant be taught though. Stepping up under pressure, making the big throw when the team needs it most, the swagger, the "IT" factor. I saw that in Kenny last year. Does it mean he will be a star? no. But it means given enough time to develop and learn he could be a winner in the league. There's a catch though. A pocket QB's success is dependent on their coordinators. The wrong scheme, the wrong fit can ruin it before it even gets a chance to start. A young QB standing on the field after yet another 3 and out, the fans booing, the team losing, that has an effect. Some bounce back, some dont.

All I wanted with KP was a chance for him to play in an offensive scheme that was built to enable his success. Behind a good o-line. I did not want to begin the cycle that I have seen so many other teams go through, because that cycle sucks.

Today we saw a rookie QB on the other side. He came out with a game plan and an offensive scheme designed to build him up. Play after play his confidence grew, the running game was there. The play calls were there. It started simple but effective. As the game progressed we witnessed Stroud's confidence grow and witnessed him attempting and making harder throws.

This is called having your mojo. We all know how that feels. It builds exponentially. Thats the #1 job of the Offensive Coordinator. Get your young QB into his Mojo zone. Momentum and Rhythm.

We dont have that. We have an idiot calling plays and an idiot overseeing him. We have people with pitchforks screaming for Kenny to be benched.

All I wanted was for Kenny to get the chance to show us if he could take that next step. Instead we have a kid whose confidence is shot, who was playing scared and running for his life because he doesnt trust his line or his offensive coach. But of course he would never say that.

Look no further than the second and third play of the game for the Steelers offense. These are the scripted, rehearsed plays, under the complete control of the coaching staff and presumably designed to get your young QB into his Mojo zone.

Here's how it went:

Second and long was designed as a bootleg/scramble right with a quick throw underneath to the TE. Nobody was fooled, the coverage was a blanket. Incomplete pass, no chance..

Third and long was designed throw from the pocket (5 step drop maybe?) There was nobody opened (presumably we were told) and the line collapsed quickly. Kenny scrambled left, continued to look downfield as long as he could but eventually he had to tuck and run. And run he did. He lowered his shoulder and took a huge hit, helmet flew off, but he got the first down.

Thats not the kind of play you want your QB making on the first drive of the game. After that was the ill fated interception to Austin. It was under-thrown but I will continue to defend that it was not a terrible ball. Austin was covered and the CB made a better football play on the ball then our receiver.

Kenny sunk lower and lower as the offense played poorer and poorer. A few bad penalty calls went against us. A key third and long pickup to Pickens was called back by the offensive pass interference call on Muth(?)

And then of course the ill fated 4th and 1, shotgun formation....

Remember that part about building up your QB's Mojo? Well here's a textbook case of how not to do it. Put him in a throw only formation on 4th and 1 at a critical point in the game, and at a critical place in the field. Take away the threat of the run so you are leaving him with one option. And as if thats not bad enough, the play design looks to be a primary target intermediate route , 25 or so yards downfield. So you have your frazzled young QB having to step up into a shaky pocket and throw a strike 30 yards downfield. Which, by the way, would have been the longest completion of the day. Call me crazy, but that just doesn't seem like the play you call for that QB in that situation. I might go so far as to say Canada Wants to be fired....

So I think today was an excellent opportunity to see two sides of the coin. Two young QB's in the same big game. One excelled and one collapsed. I'd argue that the outcome of this QB duel was determined well before they even stepped on the field... But that's the NFL isnt it..

Anyway. Ramble over.

Uh, no Ben did not play “terrible” in Canada’s offense.

[the-other-burg]

Hey Resident Steeler Fans. I have been fairly outward about my support of Kenny, even through his struggles, and theres actually a good reason.

What many NFL teams (not usually named the Steelers) go through is a pattern of QB misery. Here's how it goes.

Phase 1: Team sucks and drafts a QB in a high round. Hope springs eternal among the fan base. This QB will be the one that saves the franchise. He has the tools, its finally their time.

Phase 2. Rookie QB may or may not play his first year, but more often than not he ends up coming in. Unless he is running type QB he struggles. He has good games and bad games. Great throws and terrible throws. Season 1 ends poorly however the fan base is excited about the future with their new QB.

Phase 3. Season 2 starts. The QB often slumps. Here's why... The team is bad. The coaching is bad. None of that has changed. However now the second year QB has a name and some tape in the NFL, he has higher expectations on him, less room for error. Teams are ready. Playing QB in the NFL is HARD. Even the best pocket passers need a lot of time to develop. To learn to read a defense pre snap. To learn to read the defense during a drop back. Getting footwork down, developing timing with you receivers, adjusting to the speed of NFL defensive backs. Adjusting to the speed of NFL defensive lineman. Young QBs have a head full of information and have to learn to both use that information, and turn it off. So the QB struggles, the fan base gets impatient. They want to win now. Cracks begin to show in the support foundation of their QB.

Phase 4. The 'move on' phase. The team needs a change at QB. Our guy wasnt the guy. after all We still arent winning and heads need to roll. Changes need to be made. The blame game starts with the QB. He either gets hurt or gets benched. The team continues to suck. Time to look towards the future.

Phase 5. Team sucks and drafts a QB in a high round. Hope springs eternal among the fan base. This QB will be the one that saves the franchise. He has the tools, its finally their time.


So back to my first thought regarding my support for Kenny. I dont know if he's the guy or not. Here's what I do know - that it takes a long time for a pocket passer to develop in the NFL. A Long time. Most QBs never get enough time to develop. Thats the truth. Its a win now league.

There are some traits that cant be taught though. Stepping up under pressure, making the big throw when the team needs it most, the swagger, the "IT" factor. I saw that in Kenny last year. Does it mean he will be a star? no. But it means given enough time to develop and learn he could be a winner in the league. There's a catch though. A pocket QB's success is dependent on their coordinators. The wrong scheme, the wrong fit can ruin it before it even gets a chance to start. A young QB standing on the field after yet another 3 and out, the fans booing, the team losing, that has an effect. Some bounce back, some dont.

All I wanted with KP was a chance for him to play in an offensive scheme that was built to enable his success. Behind a good o-line. I did not want to begin the cycle that I have seen so many other teams go through, because that cycle sucks.

Today we saw a rookie QB on the other side. He came out with a game plan and an offensive scheme designed to build him up. Play after play his confidence grew, the running game was there. The play calls were there. It started simple but effective. As the game progressed we witnessed Stroud's confidence grow and witnessed him attempting and making harder throws.

This is called having your mojo. We all know how that feels. It builds exponentially. Thats the #1 job of the Offensive Coordinator. Get your young QB into his Mojo zone. Momentum and Rhythm.

We dont have that. We have an idiot calling plays and an idiot overseeing him. We have people with pitchforks screaming for Kenny to be benched.

All I wanted was for Kenny to get the chance to show us if he could take that next step. Instead we have a kid whose confidence is shot, who was playing scared and running for his life because he doesnt trust his line or his offensive coach. But of course he would never say that.

Look no further than the second and third play of the game for the Steelers offense. These are the scripted, rehearsed plays, under the complete control of the coaching staff and presumably designed to get your young QB into his Mojo zone.

Here's how it went:

Second and long was designed as a bootleg/scramble right with a quick throw underneath to the TE. Nobody was fooled, the coverage was a blanket. Incomplete pass, no chance..

Third and long was designed throw from the pocket (5 step drop maybe?) There was nobody opened (presumably we were told) and the line collapsed quickly. Kenny scrambled left, continued to look downfield as long as he could but eventually he had to tuck and run. And run he did. He lowered his shoulder and took a huge hit, helmet flew off, but he got the first down.

Thats not the kind of play you want your QB making on the first drive of the game. After that was the ill fated interception to Austin. It was under-thrown but I will continue to defend that it was not a terrible ball. Austin was covered and the CB made a better football play on the ball then our receiver.

Kenny sunk lower and lower as the offense played poorer and poorer. A few bad penalty calls went against us. A key third and long pickup to Pickens was called back by the offensive pass interference call on Muth(?)

And then of course the ill fated 4th and 1, shotgun formation....

Remember that part about building up your QB's Mojo? Well here's a textbook case of how not to do it. Put him in a throw only formation on 4th and 1 at a critical point in the game, and at a critical place in the field. Take away the threat of the run so you are leaving him with one option. And as if thats not bad enough, the play design looks to be a primary target intermediate route , 25 or so yards downfield. So you have your frazzled young QB having to step up into a shaky pocket and throw a strike 30 yards downfield. Which, by the way, would have been the longest completion of the day. Call me crazy, but that just doesn't seem like the play you call for that QB in that situation. I might go so far as to say Canada Wants to be fired....

So I think today was an excellent opportunity to see two sides of the coin. Two young QB's in the same big game. One excelled and one collapsed. I'd argue that the outcome of this QB duel was determined well before they even stepped on the field... But that's the NFL isnt it..

Anyway. Ramble over.

Uh, no Ben did not play “terrible” in Canada’s offense.

Thats not the point i was making but are you saying Ben played well in 2021?

[bradshaw2ben]

He had 22 TDs and 10 INT with Kendrick Green at center and Claypool instead of Pickens.

[jebrick]

I also have no doubt that the Steelers will sign Justin Fields when the Bears let him go.

[bradshaw2ben]

I also have no doubt that the Steelers will sign Justin Fields when the Bears let him go.

This

Unless they get a high draft pick and select the worst QB in the class

[Kodiak.]

He had 22 TDs and 10 INT with Kendrick Green at center and Claypool instead of Pickens.

Yeah, but....Kenny.....

[the-other-burg]

He had 22 TDs and 10 INT with Kendrick Green at center and Claypool instead of Pickens.

Yeah, but....Kenny.....

Yeah well Kenny aint Ben we all know that.

[drmalba]

.
Hoping Kenny’s knee is shredded is just that cult-like fucked up Ben love still not accepting he’s done.

This should be expected from a board that largely reveled in the homoerotic ritual of calling Ben by a nickname for his penis.

[Jobu]

.
Hoping Kenny’s knee is shredded is just that cult-like fucked up Ben love still not accepting he’s done.

This should be expected from a board that largely reveled in the homoerotic ritual of calling Ben by a nickname for his penis.

Yeah, that was fucked up!

[Steelperch]

They’re saying Pickett has a mild MCL sprain, should be back in a week or two. I’m sure there will be a big offensive explosion when he’s back.

[Stosh-67]

Hey Resident Steeler Fans. I have been fairly outward about my support of Kenny, even through his struggles, and theres actually a good reason.

What many NFL teams (not usually named the Steelers) go through is a pattern of QB misery. Here's how it goes.

Phase 1: Team sucks and drafts a QB in a high round. Hope springs eternal among the fan base. This QB will be the one that saves the franchise. He has the tools, its finally their time.

Phase 2. Rookie QB may or may not play his first year, but more often than not he ends up coming in. Unless he is running type QB he struggles. He has good games and bad games. Great throws and terrible throws. Season 1 ends poorly however the fan base is excited about the future with their new QB.

Phase 3. Season 2 starts. The QB often slumps. Here's why... The team is bad. The coaching is bad. None of that has changed. However now the second year QB has a name and some tape in the NFL, he has higher expectations on him, less room for error. Teams are ready. Playing QB in the NFL is HARD. Even the best pocket passers need a lot of time to develop. To learn to read a defense pre snap. To learn to read the defense during a drop back. Getting footwork down, developing timing with you receivers, adjusting to the speed of NFL defensive backs. Adjusting to the speed of NFL defensive lineman. Young QBs have a head full of information and have to learn to both use that information, and turn it off. So the QB struggles, the fan base gets impatient. They want to win now. Cracks begin to show in the support foundation of their QB.

Phase 4. The 'move on' phase. The team needs a change at QB. Our guy wasnt the guy. after all We still arent winning and heads need to roll. Changes need to be made. The blame game starts with the QB. He either gets hurt or gets benched. The team continues to suck. Time to look towards the future.

Phase 5. Team sucks and drafts a QB in a high round. Hope springs eternal among the fan base. This QB will be the one that saves the franchise. He has the tools, its finally their time.


So back to my first thought regarding my support for Kenny. I dont know if he's the guy or not. Here's what I do know - that it takes a long time for a pocket passer to develop in the NFL. A Long time. Most QBs never get enough time to develop. Thats the truth. Its a win now league.

There are some traits that cant be taught though. Stepping up under pressure, making the big throw when the team needs it most, the swagger, the "IT" factor. I saw that in Kenny last year. Does it mean he will be a star? no. But it means given enough time to develop and learn he could be a winner in the league. There's a catch though. A pocket QB's success is dependent on their coordinators. The wrong scheme, the wrong fit can ruin it before it even gets a chance to start. A young QB standing on the field after yet another 3 and out, the fans booing, the team losing, that has an effect. Some bounce back, some dont.

All I wanted with KP was a chance for him to play in an offensive scheme that was built to enable his success. Behind a good o-line. I did not want to begin the cycle that I have seen so many other teams go through, because that cycle sucks.

Today we saw a rookie QB on the other side. He came out with a game plan and an offensive scheme designed to build him up. Play after play his confidence grew, the running game was there. The play calls were there. It started simple but effective. As the game progressed we witnessed Stroud's confidence grow and witnessed him attempting and making harder throws.

This is called having your mojo. We all know how that feels. It builds exponentially. Thats the #1 job of the Offensive Coordinator. Get your young QB into his Mojo zone. Momentum and Rhythm.

We dont have that. We have an idiot calling plays and an idiot overseeing him. We have people with pitchforks screaming for Kenny to be benched.

All I wanted was for Kenny to get the chance to show us if he could take that next step. Instead we have a kid whose confidence is shot, who was playing scared and running for his life because he doesnt trust his line or his offensive coach. But of course he would never say that.

Look no further than the second and third play of the game for the Steelers offense. These are the scripted, rehearsed plays, under the complete control of the coaching staff and presumably designed to get your young QB into his Mojo zone.

Here's how it went:

Second and long was designed as a bootleg/scramble right with a quick throw underneath to the TE. Nobody was fooled, the coverage was a blanket. Incomplete pass, no chance..

Third and long was designed throw from the pocket (5 step drop maybe?) There was nobody opened (presumably we were told) and the line collapsed quickly. Kenny scrambled left, continued to look downfield as long as he could but eventually he had to tuck and run. And run he did. He lowered his shoulder and took a huge hit, helmet flew off, but he got the first down.

Thats not the kind of play you want your QB making on the first drive of the game. After that was the ill fated interception to Austin. It was under-thrown but I will continue to defend that it was not a terrible ball. Austin was covered and the CB made a better football play on the ball then our receiver.

Kenny sunk lower and lower as the offense played poorer and poorer. A few bad penalty calls went against us. A key third and long pickup to Pickens was called back by the offensive pass interference call on Muth(?)

And then of course the ill fated 4th and 1, shotgun formation....

Remember that part about building up your QB's Mojo? Well here's a textbook case of how not to do it. Put him in a throw only formation on 4th and 1 at a critical point in the game, and at a critical place in the field. Take away the threat of the run so you are leaving him with one option. And as if thats not bad enough, the play design looks to be a primary target intermediate route , 25 or so yards downfield. So you have your frazzled young QB having to step up into a shaky pocket and throw a strike 30 yards downfield. Which, by the way, would have been the longest completion of the day. Call me crazy, but that just doesn't seem like the play you call for that QB in that situation. I might go so far as to say Canada Wants to be fired....

So I think today was an excellent opportunity to see two sides of the coin. Two young QB's in the same big game. One excelled and one collapsed. I'd argue that the outcome of this QB duel was determined well before they even stepped on the field... But that's the NFL isnt it..

Anyway. Ramble over.

Nice thoughts.


Been saying a long time now....
So have several others.
This team will not win another significant game with Tomlin at the helm.

So , so many examples, every year, each and every week, that show he is a sub par coach. From poor game plan, poor scheme, play design, play calling, rhythm, etc...... to time out management, clock management, challenges, etc.

This team was not prepared to call a 4th and 1 play.
As if they do not have a play sheet with 20 different options for 4th and 1. We'll, they probably don't.
They are not ready for these moments.

To compound the unprepared....
They then burn a time out.

To compound the unprepared and blown time out,
They come out with a poor 4th and 1 play.....
A play that eliminated ANY IOTTTA of guess work for a defense as far as RUN /:PASS.

Made uncertain and apprehensive defenders better players. Took away guess work.

Just abysmal all around coaching in one 4th and 1 situation.

And the other thing I've been saying for years....
The Steeleres lose more games before opening kickoff than any team in football.
Which is exactly your sentiment below.

I'd argue that the outcome of this QB duel was determined well before they even stepped on the field... But that's the NFL isnt it..

And yeah....scripted plays to start a game proves how incompetent this team is....
Based on what we see every week in the first series, first quarter...

[the-other-burg]

They’re saying Pickett has a mild MCL sprain, should be back in a week or two. I’m sure there will be a big offensive explosion when he’s back.

Start Mitch the rest of the year whats the fucking point with Tomlin and Canada. We may as well get a better draft pick and hope Canada is fired after this season.

[the-other-burg]

Hey Resident Steeler Fans. I have been fairly outward about my support of Kenny, even through his struggles, and theres actually a good reason.

What many NFL teams (not usually named the Steelers) go through is a pattern of QB misery. Here's how it goes.

Phase 1: Team sucks and drafts a QB in a high round. Hope springs eternal among the fan base. This QB will be the one that saves the franchise. He has the tools, its finally their time.

Phase 2. Rookie QB may or may not play his first year, but more often than not he ends up coming in. Unless he is running type QB he struggles. He has good games and bad games. Great throws and terrible throws. Season 1 ends poorly however the fan base is excited about the future with their new QB.

Phase 3. Season 2 starts. The QB often slumps. Here's why... The team is bad. The coaching is bad. None of that has changed. However now the second year QB has a name and some tape in the NFL, he has higher expectations on him, less room for error. Teams are ready. Playing QB in the NFL is HARD. Even the best pocket passers need a lot of time to develop. To learn to read a defense pre snap. To learn to read the defense during a drop back. Getting footwork down, developing timing with you receivers, adjusting to the speed of NFL defensive backs. Adjusting to the speed of NFL defensive lineman. Young QBs have a head full of information and have to learn to both use that information, and turn it off. So the QB struggles, the fan base gets impatient. They want to win now. Cracks begin to show in the support foundation of their QB.

Phase 4. The 'move on' phase. The team needs a change at QB. Our guy wasnt the guy. after all We still arent winning and heads need to roll. Changes need to be made. The blame game starts with the QB. He either gets hurt or gets benched. The team continues to suck. Time to look towards the future.

Phase 5. Team sucks and drafts a QB in a high round. Hope springs eternal among the fan base. This QB will be the one that saves the franchise. He has the tools, its finally their time.


So back to my first thought regarding my support for Kenny. I dont know if he's the guy or not. Here's what I do know - that it takes a long time for a pocket passer to develop in the NFL. A Long time. Most QBs never get enough time to develop. Thats the truth. Its a win now league.

There are some traits that cant be taught though. Stepping up under pressure, making the big throw when the team needs it most, the swagger, the "IT" factor. I saw that in Kenny last year. Does it mean he will be a star? no. But it means given enough time to develop and learn he could be a winner in the league. There's a catch though. A pocket QB's success is dependent on their coordinators. The wrong scheme, the wrong fit can ruin it before it even gets a chance to start. A young QB standing on the field after yet another 3 and out, the fans booing, the team losing, that has an effect. Some bounce back, some dont.

All I wanted with KP was a chance for him to play in an offensive scheme that was built to enable his success. Behind a good o-line. I did not want to begin the cycle that I have seen so many other teams go through, because that cycle sucks.

Today we saw a rookie QB on the other side. He came out with a game plan and an offensive scheme designed to build him up. Play after play his confidence grew, the running game was there. The play calls were there. It started simple but effective. As the game progressed we witnessed Stroud's confidence grow and witnessed him attempting and making harder throws.

This is called having your mojo. We all know how that feels. It builds exponentially. Thats the #1 job of the Offensive Coordinator. Get your young QB into his Mojo zone. Momentum and Rhythm.

We dont have that. We have an idiot calling plays and an idiot overseeing him. We have people with pitchforks screaming for Kenny to be benched.

All I wanted was for Kenny to get the chance to show us if he could take that next step. Instead we have a kid whose confidence is shot, who was playing scared and running for his life because he doesnt trust his line or his offensive coach. But of course he would never say that.

Look no further than the second and third play of the game for the Steelers offense. These are the scripted, rehearsed plays, under the complete control of the coaching staff and presumably designed to get your young QB into his Mojo zone.

Here's how it went:

Second and long was designed as a bootleg/scramble right with a quick throw underneath to the TE. Nobody was fooled, the coverage was a blanket. Incomplete pass, no chance..

Third and long was designed throw from the pocket (5 step drop maybe?) There was nobody opened (presumably we were told) and the line collapsed quickly. Kenny scrambled left, continued to look downfield as long as he could but eventually he had to tuck and run. And run he did. He lowered his shoulder and took a huge hit, helmet flew off, but he got the first down.

Thats not the kind of play you want your QB making on the first drive of the game. After that was the ill fated interception to Austin. It was under-thrown but I will continue to defend that it was not a terrible ball. Austin was covered and the CB made a better football play on the ball then our receiver.

Kenny sunk lower and lower as the offense played poorer and poorer. A few bad penalty calls went against us. A key third and long pickup to Pickens was called back by the offensive pass interference call on Muth(?)

And then of course the ill fated 4th and 1, shotgun formation....

Remember that part about building up your QB's Mojo? Well here's a textbook case of how not to do it. Put him in a throw only formation on 4th and 1 at a critical point in the game, and at a critical place in the field. Take away the threat of the run so you are leaving him with one option. And as if thats not bad enough, the play design looks to be a primary target intermediate route , 25 or so yards downfield. So you have your frazzled young QB having to step up into a shaky pocket and throw a strike 30 yards downfield. Which, by the way, would have been the longest completion of the day. Call me crazy, but that just doesn't seem like the play you call for that QB in that situation. I might go so far as to say Canada Wants to be fired....

So I think today was an excellent opportunity to see two sides of the coin. Two young QB's in the same big game. One excelled and one collapsed. I'd argue that the outcome of this QB duel was determined well before they even stepped on the field... But that's the NFL isnt it..

Anyway. Ramble over.

Nice thoughts.


Been saying a long time now....
So have several others.
This team will not win another significant game with Tomlin at the helm.

So , so many examples, every year, each and every week, that show he is a sub par coach. From poor game plan, poor scheme, play design, play calling, rhythm, etc...... to time out management, clock management, challenges, etc.

This team was not prepared to call a 4th and 1 play.
As if they do not have a play sheet with 20 different options for 4th and 1. We'll, they probably don't.
They are not ready for these moments.

To compound the unprepared....
They then burn a time out.

To compound the unprepared and blown time out,
They come out with a poor 4th and 1 play.....
A play that eliminated ANY IOTTTA of guess work for a defense as far as RUN /:PASS.

Made uncertain and apprehensive defenders better players. Took away guess work.

Just abysmal all around coaching in one 4th and 1 situation.

And the other thing I've been saying for years....
The Steeleres lose more games before opening kickoff than any team in football.
Which is exactly your sentiment below.

I'd argue that the outcome of this QB duel was determined well before they even stepped on the field... But that's the NFL isnt it..

And yeah....scripted plays to start a game proves how incompetent this team is....
Based on what we see every week in the first series, first quarter...

Thanks. And you are and have been 100% correct

[franco32]

KP may not be the guy, but his team sure doesn't help him. The play design today was atrocious. LBers knew exactly what was coming. Pitre on one play started his run before the snap and headed straight to Warren on a handoff.

It's HARD...VERY HARD to play in the NFL when the defense knows exactly what you are doing. It would be hard for Danny Marino let alone Kenny F'in Pickett.

KP has a lot of issues, but the hate for him masks major deficiencies in this team and let's a lot of people off the hook. So if you're going to bash KP that is fine (although cheering for his injury is really in poor taste), but don't leave out the hot garbage all the way around (ie. JV play calling, atrocious TE blocking, Oline issues, lack of separation from the receivers, etc.).

[Professor Half Wit]

They’re saying Pickett has a mild MCL sprain, should be back in a week or two. I’m sure there will be a big offensive explosion when he’s back.

Good.

The more he goes out and sucks, the faster we can move on from him. Get well fast, Kenny!!

[Kodiak.]

Honestly, this is great news.

2 weeks seems kind of quick, but good timing with the bye to promote Sullivan. I guess that's technically almost 3 weeks, but no need to rush Kenny back.

[gojira5150]

JFC

Too long

Here’s some facts. Whether or not people want to believe them facts don’t change

- KP is small. He isn’t going to be able to take much abuse at all.

- KP has a weaker arm than many QBs. That forces 2 things. Very limited accuracy range AND strong arming throws which throw off good QB mechanics. Neither of those is good if you want a QB who is gonna consistently compete at the top

- KP plays scared. Most likely because he is very well aware of those first two facts. Moreso than anyone deep down

Beyond that ^^^^ here are a few other facts that aren’t gonna change

- Art 2 isn’t a bad guy. He just doesn’t really know football and he knows it deep down. Dan legitimately learned football from the bottom up AND ALSO knew his knowledge was very limited when viewed against career football coaches. He did know enough to hire solid coaches and supported them hiring OTHER good coaches as well. THATS the single largest issue with the Steelers coaching. Art 2 has discouraged hiring top guys and it shows.

- Art 2 is afraid to move on from Tomlin. Art knows he’s lost but it’s ok because Tomlin is his willing buffer

- Tomlin for his part has always been willing to accept what is on soldier on regardless. I suspect he kinda views that as a badge of honor of sorts. It’s also very apparent Tomlin likes basic football. Not impossible to win that way but you do need a superior coaching staff and a fairly deep roster of exceptional players at least in the sense they have some quality that can be honed to exploit opponents. Tomlin used to have some superior coaches. Rooney shitcanned them and we are where we are

- Believe whatever the fuck you want. I don’t care. Defense in Pittsburgh has always been WAY overvalued and often overrated. This franchise owes the huge large majority of its success to two guys. Terry Bradshaw and Ben Roethlisberger. Period. End of story. It’s also a fact much of the fanbase and the Steeler brain trust went out of their way to make their lives and careers much harder than they needed to be. 100% fact.

- Until this franchise as a whole comes to a deep and strong realization that offense needs to be valued and supported at consistently cutting edge level, particularly in 2023 and beyond they aren’t gonna win shit of any importance unless they get damn lucky AGAIN in 25 - 30 years and one of the very best football players to ever play QB falls in their ungrateful lap yet again

Agree 100%. This is spot on. This organization needs to move into offensive football. KC is the model. Fast cheap dudes on D and spend $ on O

[zeke5123]

They should have not drafted a QB last year and instead built the team that had very little talent. KP is not great but he is being sacrificed behind this oline and play-calling

This is where I was and why I was pissed about Pickett (beyond Pickett just not being a good prospect — overaged with a single good season and no standout tool).

The most valuable thing in the NFL is a good QB on a cheap contract. Typically you only find that when a QB is on a rookie contract. When you find that, then you want to be able take advantage of it.

Even if Pickett were good, I’m not sure the Steelers would be in great position to take advantage.

No they should’ve torn down and actually rebuilt. Such for a couple of years and then look to draft Arch Manning.

[K_C_]

.
Hoping Kenny’s knee is shredded is just that cult-like fucked up Ben love still not accepting he’s done.

This should be expected from a board that largely reveled in the homoerotic ritual of calling Ben by a nickname for his penis.

Yep, there are some SERIOUSLY fucked up mouth breathers here but at least they’re entertaining!!

[K_C_]

KP may not be the guy, but his team sure doesn't help him. The play design today was atrocious. LBers knew exactly what was coming. Pitre on one play started his run before the snap and headed straight to Warren on a handoff.

It's HARD...VERY HARD to play in the NFL when the defense knows exactly what you are doing. It would be hard for Danny Marino let alone Kenny F'in Pickett.

KP has a lot of issues, but the hate for him masks major deficiencies in this team and let's a lot of people off the hook. So if you're going to bash KP that is fine (although cheering for his injury is really in poor taste), but don't leave out the hot garbage all the way around (ie. JV play calling, atrocious TE blocking, Oline issues, lack of separation from the receivers, etc.).

You don’t get it.

These inbreds here think Ben throws for 400 yards today and 5 TD’s with this o-line, running game and OC, even if the defense knows what’s coming.

Honest to Christ I love sharing these posts. Real Steelers fans.

[Kodiak.]

These inbreds here think Ben throws for 400 yards today and 5 TD’s with this o-line, running game and OC, even if the defense knows what’s coming.

Honest to Christ I love sharing these posts. Real Steelers fans.

Joking aside, have you had a brain scan? I mean that sincerely.

Like bad acid is literally telling you "dude, I don't know, but you should get checked out"

[K_C_]

He had 22 TDs and 10 INT with Kendrick Green at center and Claypool instead of Pickens.

Those are killer numbers for an 18 year vet or whatever.

I’d love to see him this year with no running game, silly play calling, defenses knowing exactly what play is coming, no DJ and Freiermuth playing like he’s full of scotch.

[K_C_]

These inbreds here think Ben throws for 400 yards today and 5 TD’s with this o-line, running game and OC, even if the defense knows what’s coming.

Honest to Christ I love sharing these posts. Real Steelers fans.

Joking aside, have you had a brain scan? I mean that sincerely.

Like bad acid is literally telling you "dude, I don't know, but you should get checked out"

You absolutely never, ever need to worry about a brain tumor.

You’re good!!

.

[SteelerDayTrader]

He had 22 TDs and 10 INT with Kendrick Green at center and Claypool instead of Pickens.