Ryan Shazier Believes Steelers' Kenny Pickett Will Explode In Year 2 Comparing Him To Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen

Shazier's favorite part about Pickett's game is that he is a winner and mentioned that even during his time at the University of Pittsburgh when nobody had them winning the ACC, he managed to find a way to get it done. He threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns in the championship game. He also ran one in from 58 yards out to give the Panthers their first ever ACC Conference title. 

“You can't coach winning and he understands when a situation presents itself and your back is against the wall, I'm going to come out swinging and I'm going to figure out a way to get this win," Shazier said about Pickett.

Steelers At Linebacker 

Shazier went on to talk about his former position at LB and how the Steelers are doing at filling the void that was left when he medically retired. He likes the new approach the team has this year in bringing in a bunch of veterans to learn the system and catch on, whereas before they would only bring in one or two veterans here and there surrounded by a bunch of young guys. One guy he mentioned was Kwon Alexander who he described as very rangy. An eight-year veteran, Alexander has become a big fan favorite after a couple of big hits against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the team's first preseason game of the year last Friday.

The Steelers look completely different at the inside linebacker position this year having not re-signed Devin Bush, Robert Spillane, Marcus Allen and Myles Jack for the 2023 season. Having good play at the LB position will only help a defense that finished inside the top 10 as a team in 2022. When asked about the things that make linebackers great, Shazier explained.

"The one thing about linebacker that can’t be taught is basically toughness, so you can get someone that looks pretty in the box and who can cover these tight ends, but then when you have David DeCastro or Isaac Seumalo pulling on you, you know that’s a whole different animal. So that’s where it's difficult at the linebacker position now, you have to have someone who is willing to put their face in the fan, but then also who can stay with a George Kittle."  

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

Shazier ended the interview by stating he thinks that this team can be a 10-win or more team! Can Pickett pick up from where he left off in 2022? What are your thoughts after Week 1 of preseason? Can the offense be a top-10 scoring offense under Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada?