Kenny Pickett, the former Steelers first-round pick, spent the 2024 season as Jalen Hurts’ understudy on the Super Bowl-winning Eagles. Now engaged in a QB battle with Joe Flacco and others in Cleveland, Pickett aims to apply the invaluable lessons he learned in Philadelphia.
Want to know what people are really saying? Don’t miss the buzz from Reddit at the end!
Pickett’s Path: From Backup to Contender in Cleveland
After being drafted by the Steelers in 2022, Kenny Pickett found himself in a backup role during his rookie campaign. However, the following year presented an opportunity for growth as he joined the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as the understudy to Jalen Hurts on the team’s Super Bowl-winning run. This experience proved invaluable for Pickett, who is now poised to compete for the starting job with the Cleveland Browns, alongside veterans like Joe Flacco and promising youngsters Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.
Inside the Browns’ QB Room: Friendly Fire or Fierce Competition?
While the Browns’ quarterback room is undoubtedly a competitive environment, Pickett emphasizes that there is no animosity among the signal-callers. ‘Of course we’re all competing, but you become friends with everybody,’ he stated. ‘You know, we’re helping each other. There’s open dialogue in the quarterback room to help each other grow.’ This camaraderie and willingness to learn from one another could prove crucial as the competition unfolds during training camp and the preseason.
Starter Mentality: How Pickett Stays Ready for His Chance
Regardless of his depth chart position, Pickett maintains a starter’s mindset, diligently preparing as if he is the one taking the first snap. ‘I just always approached every day as if I’m the starter no matter where I was on the depth chart,’ he explained. This mentality was reinforced during his time in Philadelphia, where he would ‘prepare as if I was a starter because, you never know when that opportunity was going to be to go play. And, you know, you want to be as prepared as you can be.’
The Philly Effect: Pickett’s Subtle Jab at the Steelers?
While expressing gratitude for his time in Philadelphia, Pickett made a statement that raised some eyebrows: ‘I think I was just shown how it’s supposed to be done, really, from the top down.’ Though he didn’t explicitly mention the Steelers, some interpreted this as a subtle criticism of Mike Tomlin’s operation in Pittsburgh. However, others view Pickett’s remarks as a nod to Hurts, who hails from a coaching family, rather than a slight against his former team. Regardless of the intent, it’s clear that Pickett’s experience with the Eagles left a lasting impression.
The Road Ahead: Pickett’s Quest for the Starting Job
As the competition in Cleveland heats up, Pickett’s path to the starting role won’t be an easy one. Veteran Joe Flacco’s familiarity with Kevin Stefanski’s system could give him an advantage, while the young talents of Gabriel and Sanders cannot be overlooked. However, Pickett’s determination and the lessons he learned from his time in Philadelphia could prove invaluable as he navigates this crucial juncture in his career. With his starter’s mentality and the wisdom gleaned from observing a championship-caliber organization, Pickett is poised to make a strong case for the Browns’ starting quarterback job.
Internet Reactions to Kenny Pickett’s Lessons from the Eagles
The news of Kenny Pickett’s lessons learned during his time with the Super Bowl-winning Eagles has sparked a range of reactions from the NFL community on Reddit. Many are intrigued by the idea that Pickett’s experience as Jalen Hurts’ understudy could give him an edge in the Browns’ quarterback competition.
Some users have taken a more skeptical view, questioning whether Pickett’s time in Philadelphia was truly transformative or if he is simply trying to distance himself from his perceived failures in Pittsburgh. However, others argue that the Browns’ quarterback room is a more level playing field, where Pickett’s starter mentality and championship pedigree could serve him well.
Amidst the discussion, one user made a lighthearted comment about Pickett’s hands growing in size during his time with the Eagles, a nod to the persistent concerns about his hand size that dogged him leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft. Overall, the Reddit comments reflect the varied perspectives and anticipation surrounding Pickett’s quest to earn the starting job in Cleveland.