The loss still hurts but I hope that the cloud of gloom is not so dense that it obscures the performance and grit of Kenny Pickett.
Over the past three years I’ve often leveled criticism at Pickett and even blamed him directly for losses, but as time moves on and a fuller picture of the guy emerges, Ii’ve come to appreciate some attributes in this kid that I think are going to be sorely missed after he graduates.
Fist, I go back decades as an ardent Pitt fan and I will say right now that Pickett is the toughest guy we have had play quarterback in the last 50 years . There has been no signal caller that has taking more hard shots without missing a play then this kid. Time and again, either in the pocket or while running ball, somebody has laid a lick on him that would knock a normal QB out of the game for an extended period of time and yet time and again he jumps up and goes back to the huddle and runs the next play. You have to admire that.
Second, he does not get nearly the credit he should for his athleticism. He’s faster than the average P5 quarterback i, and beyond that he’s got lateral quickness,spin moves and great escapability in the pocke.. Rod Rutherford and maybe Tyler Palco were equally good, and some would say better even, as straight line runners once they got beyond the line of scrimmage, but neither of those guys we’re as elusive in the pocket as Pickett. In short, we haven’t had a guy at Pitt in a long long time who can extend plays like Pickett.
Third, it’s been mentioned before on this board that Pickett does have that intangible that allows him to make clutch plays in late game situations.
So why is he not at all American and why does he continue to have his critics? The answer is because he does have shortcomings. His accuracy has never been above average and he could use improvement in selecting which receiver to go to in a given offensive set.Also, at least early in his career but not so much this year, he had a penchant for checking down and too often throwing outlet passes in the flat rather than challenging the defense beyond the line of scrimmage.
But further in his defense, there’s no question he has been hindered immensely by the lack of a running game and dropped passes over the past two years. As a result, he said it even more burden placed on his shoulders then it’s typical for what is already the most pressure ladened position in the game.
All things considered, and recognizing that he will continue to receive his share of criticism this year, I think the time will come where we grow to appreciate more and more his physical talents and toughness and the day will come when many will say “I wish this team had a Pickett at quarterback“
Over the past three years I’ve often leveled criticism at Pickett and even blamed him directly for losses, but as time moves on and a fuller picture of the guy emerges, Ii’ve come to appreciate some attributes in this kid that I think are going to be sorely missed after he graduates.
Fist, I go back decades as an ardent Pitt fan and I will say right now that Pickett is the toughest guy we have had play quarterback in the last 50 years . There has been no signal caller that has taking more hard shots without missing a play then this kid. Time and again, either in the pocket or while running ball, somebody has laid a lick on him that would knock a normal QB out of the game for an extended period of time and yet time and again he jumps up and goes back to the huddle and runs the next play. You have to admire that.
Second, he does not get nearly the credit he should for his athleticism. He’s faster than the average P5 quarterback i, and beyond that he’s got lateral quickness,spin moves and great escapability in the pocke.. Rod Rutherford and maybe Tyler Palco were equally good, and some would say better even, as straight line runners once they got beyond the line of scrimmage, but neither of those guys we’re as elusive in the pocket as Pickett. In short, we haven’t had a guy at Pitt in a long long time who can extend plays like Pickett.
Third, it’s been mentioned before on this board that Pickett does have that intangible that allows him to make clutch plays in late game situations.
So why is he not at all American and why does he continue to have his critics? The answer is because he does have shortcomings. His accuracy has never been above average and he could use improvement in selecting which receiver to go to in a given offensive set.Also, at least early in his career but not so much this year, he had a penchant for checking down and too often throwing outlet passes in the flat rather than challenging the defense beyond the line of scrimmage.
But further in his defense, there’s no question he has been hindered immensely by the lack of a running game and dropped passes over the past two years. As a result, he said it even more burden placed on his shoulders then it’s typical for what is already the most pressure ladened position in the game.
All things considered, and recognizing that he will continue to receive his share of criticism this year, I think the time will come where we grow to appreciate more and more his physical talents and toughness and the day will come when many will say “I wish this team had a Pickett at quarterback“
