The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to lurk in the playoff picture.
Despite a 2-6 start to the season, the Steelers have won three of their last four games and remain in the AFC Wild Card hunt.
For a team that entered the season with Mitch Trubisky as their starting quarterback, it is a surprise to see them still alive.
But, the play of rookie Kenny Pickett has helped keep Pittsburgh afloat.
Also, the Steelers’ defense since the return of T.J. Watt has been very good.
Watt returned from injury in Week 10, and Pittsburgh has allowed 20 points per game since then.
While it may seem unlikely, the Steelers still have a 7% chance to get into the postseason.
There is still a chance! #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/6QwfdPs52Z
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) December 8, 2022
One reason they can get into the playoffs is due to their rest-of-season schedule.
In the next two weeks, the Steelers face the Lamar Jackson-less Ravens and the Carolina Panthers.
Those are two games Pittsburgh should win.
If they can get back to .500 with a 7-7 record, their playoff odds will almost certainly increase.
Pickett’s Continued Development
The most important thing for the Steelers should be the continued development of their franchise quarterback.
Pickett has big shoes to fill as the next man up after Ben Roethlisberger.
But you can already see the rookie is making positive strides.
Kenny Pickett this season
Before Bye Since Bye
1-3 W-L 3-1
2 Pass TD 2
9 Turnovers 0
66.8 Pass Rating 85.9 pic.twitter.com/aUoNYsDouD— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 7, 2022
The rookie is taking care of the ball, and doing plenty of good things with his arm.
He is still completing 65.2% of his passes on the season, which is rare for most rookies.
The Steelers offense is playing to his strengths and allowing Pickett to complete easy passes.
Which is why his yards per attempt rank 33rd in the NFL at 6.1.
There has been plenty of good from Pickett this season, and his development will remain very important in Pittsburgh.
