Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett praises Matt Canada's coaching approach

Pittsburgh Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett recently praised Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada for being open and honest in his player interaction model. Pickett, who has known Canada since his high school days, credited the OC for the upward trajectory of his fortunes, despite Pittsburgh's struggles this season.

As culled by Yardbarker.com, Pickett mentioned his long-term relationship with Canada and how it has aided his progress in his NFL career thus far:

“We connected pretty early on in high school. We have a really good relationship where we can talk about pretty much anything. We’re open and honest and he asks me what I see all the time."

He added:

"I think that open line of communication is going to continue to improve and he’s very open to suggestions that we have as players, as staff. It’s a collective effort. It’s definitely cool to have an offensive coordinator that’s open to that and not just close-minded. So, it’s a pretty good relationship he has with all of us."

They will need it as the Steelers' next game is against their storied rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, a team that Steelers fans have grown to hate. Luckily for Pittsburgh, the Ravens will be without starting quarterback Lamar Jackson for the game. Of course, that doesn't mean that the game won't be tough for Pickett and his teammates, but at least that's one less weapon to worry about.

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How has Kenny Pickett performed this season?

Kenny Pickett was highly-rated coming out of college and was selected as the 20th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Pickett spent his entire college career at Pittsburgh University, so being drafted by the Steelers was a homecoming.

Pickett came into the season competing against Mitchell Trubisky for the QB1 role, which Ben Roethlisberger finally vacated. Heading into Week 14 of the season, Pickett has won the job and will be looking to consolidate it with solid performances until the season's end.

Kenny Pickett has undergone a baptism by fire in his rookie NFL season, as he is getting the rookie treatment in every game started. He has put up a stat line of 1,797 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, three rushing touchdowns, and eight interceptions in nine games played this season.

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