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Pitt QB Kenny Pickett Must Improve in Week 14

By Chris Ross

PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 31: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Heinz Field on August 31, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 31: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Panthers drops back to pass in the first quarter during the game against the Virginia Cavaliers at Heinz Field on August 31, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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Pitt football has ridden a stellar defense to a winning record, but in Week 14, quarterback Kenny Pickett and the offense need to step up.

For most of the season, Pitt football’s strategy to winning has been to ride an outstanding defense to victory while hoping an anemic offense does the bare minimum. In Week 13, however, that flawed approach was exposed in a 28-0 loss to Virginia Tech.

Against one of the nation’s best defenses, the offense failed to do anything, putting Pitt’s defense in an impossible situation. Far too often the Panthers’ offensive possessions ended in quick punts or unfortunate turnovers, meaning the defense hardly had time to catch their breath before ending up on the field again. With a lesser-talented, but still frisky Boston College team up next on the schedule, Pitt’s offense better figure out their issues.

It all starts at quarterback where Kenny Pickett, after a promising early-season run, has regressed into a turnover-prone mess at the position. Pitt’s simplistic scheme deserves part of the blame, but Pickett is simply too afraid to take chances. Instead of challenging defenses deep, Pickett is perfectly happy to check-down time and time again, allowing opposing defenders to relax without worrying about deep throws.

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For Pitt’s offense to get back on track, their quarterback needs to start playing like he did earlier this season. Against Penn State, Pickett was calm and collected, throwing darts and taking chances. Sure, Pitt ultimately lost, but a 17-10 loss to one of the most talented teams in the country is nothing to be ashamed of. Even recently, against North Carolina a couple of weeks ago, Pickett showed flashes of being the guy this offense needs, completing 25 passes for 359 yards and making plays with his legs. In that contest, Pitt looked like a competent offense and the result was a huge win.

We know that this Pitt football team’s identity is their aggressive defense, but that doesn’t mean the offense can’t contribute. With a chance to rebound against a much weaker opponent, it’s time for that offense, and particularly it’s quarterback, to step up.

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