Tomlin: Steelers need more from Pickett

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wants quarterback Kenny Pickett to elevate his play in the second half of the season.

"Man, we're gonna need more. Particularly as this road narrows," Tomlin said of his quarterback, according to Noah Strackbein of Sports Illustrated.

Pickett has yet to eclipse 235 passing yards in a single game this season. Pittsburgh's offense has struggled to produce consistently, ranking 26th in points per game and 28th in yards per contest this campaign.

Despite being outgained in every game, the Steelers are 6-3 after ripping off victories in four of their last five contests.

"Guys like Kenny and myself, we're measured by wins and losses," Tomlin said. "He and I talk about that often and openly. We know what our jobs are. Our jobs are to win. And so, that's where we are. That's where our focus is."

Pittsburgh's defense has carried the team, forcing a league-leading 18 turnovers while allowing only 20.2 points per game. However, the offense deserves some credit for the team's latest hot stretch.

The Steelers' offense ranks 14th in EPA per play since Week 5, per Ben Baldwin's database, a drastic increase after sitting 31st through the first four games.

A big part of that is Pickett taking care of the ball. The 25-year-old hasn't thrown an interception since Week 4 and ranks second behind only C.J. Stroud in interceptions from starting quarterbacks in 2023.

Pittsburgh faces the Cleveland Browns in Week 11.

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