Robinson praises Pickett's 'awesome' command of Steelers' offense
It didn't take long for Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett to impress veteran wide receiver Allen Robinson.
"Coming in, seeing Kenny now going into his second season, the command that he has for a second-year player is awesome," Robinson recently said on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "I personally feel like you don't get a chance to see guys that young with a command that strong as far as leading us, getting guys together, throwing after watching film. Across the board, he's very experienced. It's been fun to see and it's been fun to be a part of."
Pickett, whom Pittsburgh drafted in the first round in 2022, began his rookie campaign on the bench but was named the starter in Week 5. He finished the season with seven touchdown passes against nine interceptions to go along with three scores on the ground. The Pitt product also led four game-winning drives.
The Steelers acquired Robinson as part of a trade with the Los Angeles Rams in April. Prior to his one-season stint with the Rams, the 29-year-old played for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2014-17) and Chicago Bears (2018-21). He has caught at least one regular season touchdown from six different quarterbacks throughout his career.
Robinson recorded only 33 catches, 339 yards, and three touchdowns in 10 games in 2022. He now joins a Pittsburgh offense that rosters running back Najee Harris and wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, among others.
"When you look at some of the weapons that we have, I think that we're in a position to be a well-rounded offensive group with a lot of young talent that isn't so young anymore and also some vets," Allen said. "That's really when you see some offenses start to take that next step. ... We have a lot of guys across the board who can make plays."
The Steelers went 9-8 last season and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2019. Pittsburgh ranked 26th in points scored. Johnson didn't score any touchdowns in 2022 but led the team with 86 receptions and 882 yards.