Steelers CB Patrick Peterson: Kenny Pickett will ‘reap the fruits’ of Arthur Smith
A solid run game is easily a developing quarterback’s best friend. And that’s what the Pittsburgh Steelers have in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The two backs, who combined for 1,819 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns, will also be best friends with run-loving offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
“I think Kenny Pickett will have the opportunity to really reap the fruits of this labor, having Arthur coming in there, having kind of like the same athletic attributes, a mobile quarterback, a guy who likes to throw the ball on the run, who can throw the ball on the run,” Peterson said on the Feb. 15 episode of All Things Covered.
“But also having a running back and a running committee that’s able to make his game a little bit easier. I’m excited about the hire.”
We only need to look to All-Pro Derrick Henry and two career-best seasons in Tennessee under Smith. In 2019 and 2020, Henry put up a whopping 3,567 yards and 33 touchdowns. There’s no reason to think Harris and Warren combined can’t come close to that in the first two seasons of Smith calling the plays.
Just a fraction of that should increase the chances of success for Pickett, who will undoubtedly be under tremendous pressure to perform at the level of a first-round draftee heading into his third season.
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Los Angeles Rams
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to his quarterback…
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to his quarterback sneak for a touchdown, to take a 10-9 lead, during a 24-17 win over the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) makes a play against…
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) makes a play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) passes against the Arizona…
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) passes against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
Arizona Cardinals v Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 03: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during…
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 03: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the second quarter in the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Acrisure Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) grabs his leg after…
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) grabs his leg after play against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pickett left the game with an injury. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) is stopped by Arizona…
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) is stopped by Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter (93) and linebacker Josh Woods (10) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pickett left the game with an injury. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) plays the ball against…
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) plays the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Arizona Cardinals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) is stopped by Arizona…
Dec 3, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) is stopped by Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman Jonathan Ledbetter (93) and linebacker Josh Woods (10) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pickett left the game with an injury. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
Syndication: The Enquirer
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws on the run in the first quarter of the…
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws on the run in the first quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023.
Share this
image
gallery
Syndication: The Enquirer
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) catches up to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8)…
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson (91) catches up to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) for a sack in the first quarter of the NFL Week 12 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023.
Share this
image
gallery
Syndication: The Enquirer
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws in the first quarter of a Week 12 NFL…
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws in the first quarter of a Week 12 NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at Paycor Stadium.
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 26: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball…
CINCINNATI, OHIO - NOVEMBER 26: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball during the second half of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) runs the ball during…
Nov 26, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) runs the ball during the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens
Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Kenny Pickett…
Jan 1, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) shake hands after the team scores the game-winning touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) and quarterbacks coach Mike…
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan (right) talk on the sidelines against the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Preseason-Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers
Aug 19, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) and quarterbacks coach Mike…
Aug 19, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan (right) look on against the Buffalo Bills during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 27-15. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass in…
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass…
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers drops back to pass in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scrambles while being chased…
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scrambles while being chased by Alex Wright #91 of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands the ball off…
CLEVELAND, OHIO - NOVEMBER 19: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands the ball off to Najee Harris #22 in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Nov 12, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and quarterback Kenny…
Nov 12, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) celebrate a four yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
Syndication: The Tennessean
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws to wide receiver George Pickens (14) for a completion…
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws to wide receiver George Pickens (14) for a completion against the Tennessee Titans during their game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) celebrates a game-winning touchdown…
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) celebrates a game-winning touchdown with wide receiver George Pickens (14) and running back Jaylen Warren (30) during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8)celebrates a game-winning touchdown with…
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8)celebrates a game-winning touchdown with wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
Tennessee Titans v Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kenny Pickett #8…
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Syndication: The Tennessean
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws over Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry III (58) during…
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) throws over Tennessee Titans linebacker Harold Landry III (58) during the second quarter in Pittsburgh, Pa., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
Share this
image
gallery
Tennessee Titans v Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive…
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 02: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada speak on the sidelines in the first half at Acrisure Stadium on November 02, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada (left) talks to quarterback…
Nov 2, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada (left) talks to quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) on the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Los Angeles Rams
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: Kenny Pickett #8 and George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers…
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 22: Kenny Pickett #8 and George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate a pass during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on October 22, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and George Pickens #14…
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers and George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate after Pickens' receiving touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a play during…
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a play during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands the ball off…
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands the ball off to Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass during…
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Baltimore Ravens v Pittsburgh Steelers
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play…
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 08: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8)celebrates a game-winning touchdown with…
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8)celebrates a game-winning touchdown with wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) passes against pressure from…
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) passes against pressure from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (24) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (left) scrambles against pressure from…
Oct 8, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (left) scrambles against pressure from Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy (50) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Houston Texans
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass against…
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass against the Houston Texans during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Houston Texans
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass against…
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 01: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts a pass against the Houston Texans during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 24: Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown…
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 24: Pat Freiermuth #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates a touchdown with Kenny Pickett #8 in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
Pittsburgh Steelers v Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 24: Pat Freiermuth #88 and Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh…
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 24: Pat Freiermuth #88 and Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers look on in the game against the Las Vegas Raiders during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium on September 24, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: Cleveland Browns at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) passes against the Cleveland…
Sep 18, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) passes against the Cleveland Browns during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny.Pickett (8) throws the ball against the…
Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny.Pickett (8) throws the ball against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Share this
image
gallery
