The Philadelphia Eagles blowing out the Dallas Cowboys allowed Kenny Pickett to receive some action in Dallas, Texas.
Pickett didn’t play much, but it was his first actual action of the season. He completed 1-of-2 pass attempts for five yards, adding a 1-yard carry, as he finished the afternoon for the Eagles. And he was all smiles after converting a fourth-and-1 with 37 seconds left in the game to seal the win.
Pickett is in his first season with the Eagles, receiving his second chance at playing time after playing against the New York Giants earlier this season (going 0-for-1 with a sack).
He didn’t play much against the Cowboys, but clearly, the opportunity was enough for some smiles.
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Pickett to the Eagles on March 16, after spending two seasons with the team. And even through a disappointing tenure with the Steelers, Pickett reflected positively on his time in Pittsburgh.
“(I) gave everything I had there and loved all of my teammates and coaches that I came across — some absolutely great memories that I’ll take forever and lifelong friendships,” Pickett said following the trade. “And just talking to guys after it all went down, grateful that we had the time we had together.”
Pickett was one of the very best quarterbacks in college football in 2021, completing 334-of-497 pass attempts (67%) for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns, to just seven interceptions. And he added 241 yards and five more touchdowns on the ground.
He finished his Pitt career as the all-time leader in passing yards, completions, total offense, touchdowns responsible for and passing touchdowns. He’s thrown the most 300-yard passing games (16) and 400-yard passing games (five) and his 32 wins are the most as a Pitt starter.
Pickett completed 1,045-of-1,674 career passing attempts (just over 62%) for 12,303 yards and 81 touchdowns, to just 32 interceptions, in 52 career appearances (49 starts). He also added 809 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.
He led Pitt to its first ACC title in 2021, earning All-ACC, All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist honors. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but it wasn’t exactly smooth sailing.
Pickett threw for 4,474 yards (62.6% completion) with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his 25 games as a Steeler, and while he wasn’t put in the best situation to succeed in the NFL, his lack of production was problematic. The Steelers brought signed Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in March, and it spelled the end for Pickett and the Steelers.
Kenny Pickett may not be the starter in Philadelphia, but he’s waiting in the wings for another opportunity with a good Eagles offense.
Aw Kenny, you could have been the only PITT QB to win 12 games if you just would have suited up for more game, “It’s we.. not me!” You quit !
Unless you have some insight on the 1976 team that the most of us are aware of, Cavanaugh Won 12.
I saw the kid get drafted. I wanted him to be the next franchise QB in Pittsburgh. It just didn’t work out. He may develop into The Guy, but right now he’s either making bad reads, being indecisive and getting the ball out late, or turning his back on the defense, bailing on clean pockets, and trying to outrun people that are clearly faster than him. Kenny was right to want a change and Tomlin was right to allow him to leave
Glad that experience is over…