In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the NFL, quarterback play remains the most critical factor in determining a team’s success. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, the quarterback position has been in a state of transition since the retirement of franchise legend Ben Roethlisberger following the 2021 season. After two years of navigating through the ups and downs of young quarterback development, the Steelers enter the 2025 season with clear goals for stabilizing the position long-term. As the team strives for its next championship window, one prominent football analyst has outlined a blueprint for success at quarterback that could provide the perfect roadmap for Pittsburgh’s future.
### The Context: Steelers’ QB Struggles and Growth
Since Roethlisberger’s departure, the Steelers have cycled through different quarterback options in an attempt to replace one of the most durable and successful signal-callers in NFL history. In 2022, rookie Kenny Pickett took the reins as the team’s starter. While Pickett showed flashes of potential, his play has been inconsistent, with some notable struggles in decision-making and execution. However, Pittsburgh has remained committed to his development, pointing to his leadership and promise as building blocks for the future.
As the Steelers enter 2025, it’s clear that the team is still in the process of finding its next true franchise quarterback—someone who can elevate the offense and guide the team back to playoff contention on a more consistent basis. The front office and coaching staff, led by head coach Mike Tomlin, are investing in Pickett’s development, but the question remains: how can they help him—and future quarterbacks—reach their full potential?
In an insightful analysis, NFL analyst and former quarterback **Chris Simms** has provided a comprehensive blueprint for how the Steelers can optimize their quarterback position moving forward. His suggestions go beyond just focusing on the mechanics of the quarterback and delve into how the team can structure its offense, support its signal-caller, and maximize the talents of their young QB.
### 1. **Optimize the Offensive Scheme for Pickett’s Strengths**
The first key point Simms makes in his blueprint is the importance of tailoring the offensive scheme to the quarterback’s strengths. Throughout his college career at the University of Pittsburgh, Pickett showcased strong decision-making, accuracy on short-to-mid range passes, and impressive mobility in the pocket. However, his deep ball accuracy and consistency under pressure have been areas of concern at the NFL level.
Simms suggests that the Steelers should focus on creating a more simplified, rhythm-based offense that capitalizes on Pickett’s strengths. By utilizing a quick-passing attack, RPO (run-pass option) concepts, and short-to-intermediate routes, the Steelers can alleviate some of the pressure on Pickett while allowing him to gain confidence in the system. This approach would also align well with offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s preference for balance between the run and pass.
Additionally, simplifying the playbook and keeping reads clean will help Pickett avoid unnecessary mistakes. The idea is not to overwhelm him with complex concepts but rather to put him in positions where he can succeed without forcing throws into tight windows or taking unnecessary risks. This could also benefit the Steelers’ wide receivers, who, while talented, have yet to fully emerge as dynamic playmakers on a consistent basis.
Simms notes that a more predictable offense could allow the Steelers to gradually unlock Pickett’s deeper passing ability, which will come with experience and comfort in the system. By focusing on rhythm and timing early on, the Steelers can build a solid foundation for a more complex passing game down the road.
### 2. **Strengthening the Offensive Line**
The second pillar of Simms’ blueprint is one that has long been a pain point for the Steelers: the offensive line. Over the past few seasons, the team has struggled with consistency in the trenches, particularly in pass protection. Pickett, while mobile, has still been under duress far too often, forcing him to make hurried decisions and, at times, compromise his mechanics.
To truly develop Pickett and give him a chance to succeed, Simms emphasizes the importance of building a strong, cohesive offensive line. He highlights the need for the Steelers to prioritize both talent acquisition and development along the offensive line, ensuring that the group is capable of providing Pickett with a clean pocket and time to survey the field.
In 2025, the Steelers need to continue investing in the offensive line through both free agency and the draft. While the team has made strides in adding pieces like offensive tackles Broderick Jones and Dan Moore Jr., there is still work to be done in terms of finding interior linemen who can consistently win in pass protection and open up running lanes for star running back Najee Harris.
Simms suggests that Pittsburgh needs to focus on drafting or signing an elite interior lineman or perhaps another tackle who can anchor the line and help Pickett feel more secure. A strong offensive line, coupled with a balanced running game, will allow Pickett to make quicker reads and feel comfortable in the pocket—essential for his development and the team’s overall offensive efficiency.
### 3. **Leveraging Playmakers on the Outside**
The third aspect of Simms’ blueprint involves maximizing the talent at wide receiver. Pittsburgh boasts a solid group of pass catchers, including second-year standout George Pickens and veteran Diontae Johnson. Simms stresses the importance of fully leveraging the skills of these playmakers, ensuring they are put in favorable matchups and designed routes that can exploit opposing defenses.
For Pickett, having a reliable set of receivers who can win their one-on-one matchups is crucial. Pickens, in particular, is a player who has flashed elite potential, with his size, speed, and ability to make difficult catches in tight spaces. However, consistency has been an issue for the receiver group as a whole. Simms argues that the Steelers need to use motion, shift formations, and create mismatches that help free up these players, especially on short to intermediate routes.
In particular, Pittsburgh should focus on making Pickens and Johnson the focal points of the offense in the passing game. They should design route combinations that cater to their strengths, such as using Pickens in jump-ball situations or allowing Johnson to utilize his quickness and route-running to create separation. Simms also notes that if the Steelers can integrate a healthy dose of play-action passes and stretch the field more, Pickett will benefit from higher-quality throws and more open windows to hit his targets.
### 4. **Emphasizing the Running Game**
The final component of the blueprint centers on one of the Steelers’ most underrated aspects: their running game. Despite the heavy criticism in recent years, Najee Harris remains a talented back with the ability to dominate between the tackles and outside. Establishing a strong running game not only opens up the passing attack but also provides Pickett with an added layer of security.
Simms emphasizes the importance of staying committed to the ground game, even when the passing game faces challenges. With a powerful running back like Harris and an offensive line that could improve, Pittsburgh should look to wear down defenses with a heavy dose of run plays, creating favorable play-action opportunities and keeping the defense off balance. Harris’ ability to catch passes out of the backfield should also be a priority, adding another element of flexibility to the offense.
### Conclusion: Building a Balanced Future
In his blueprint for the Steelers, Chris Simms provides a clear, holistic approach to helping Pittsburgh’s young quarterback reach his potential. By focusing on a simplified, rhythm-based offense, improving the offensive line, maximizing the playmakers on the outside, and committing to a strong running game, the Steelers can lay the foundation for Pickett’s success. If they follow this roadmap, Pittsburgh can not only develop a franchise quarterback but also return to championship contention in the years to come.
The next few seasons will be pivotal in determining whether Kenny Pickett can take the next step as a leader and a playmaker. The Steelers’ coaching staff, front office, and players will need to work together to ensure that their quarterback is put in the best possible position to succeed. The road ahead may be difficult, but with the right strategy, the future looks bright for Pittsburgh.