Mark Madden's Hot Take: Numbers don't lie for Steelers QB Kenny Pickett

Kenny Pickett ranks 31st among NFL quarterbacks in yards per attempt at 6.1.

Pickett ranks 31st in yards per game at 185.5.

Pickett ranks 31st with a passer rating of 75.7.

Pickett ranks 33rd with a touchdown percentage of 1.5.

Pickett ranks 27th with an interception percentage of 2.7.

Pickett ranks 18th with a completion percentage of 65.2.

Pickett has thrown five touchdowns vs. nine interceptions. Duck Hodges threw five TDs and eight picks in 2019.

So, tell me exactly how the Steelers rookie has “improved.” Give me something concrete that validates his success. The stats don’t do it.

Oh, yeah, I forgot…Pickett has “moxie.”

Pickett may yet turn out to be a good NFL quarterback. But right now, his failure is hiding in plain sight.

The stats don’t count for Pickett. He’s got the “like” factor.

In today’s world, where every nitwit gets their opinion posted on social media, “like” trumps most things tangible.

Everything good is Pickett’s doing. Everything bad is somebody else’s fault, usually offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s. (The offensive line had been a popular scapegoat, but it’s performed well lately.)

If Pickett had gone to, say, Utah instead of Pitt, he’d be getting crucified locally.

This isn’t “hating.” These are numbers. The video doesn’t look great, either.

When credit is due, Pickett will get it from me. It’s currently not merited.