Shaq Barrett Said Rookie Quarterbacks Can Be Sneaky Good
October 12th, 2022
Rookie QB chatter.
Steelers rookie quarterback and first round draft pick Kenny Pickett will make his second NFL start against the Bucs. And Bucs sack king Shaq Barrett said despite a lack of experience, rookie quarterbacks can fool defenses if a defense lets up.
Joe asked Shaq today if, in general, rookie quarterbacks are more susceptible to getting sacked. Shaq didn’t disagree but there is a catch, he said.
“Typically, in general, they are,” Shaq said of rookies being more likely to get grounded by a pass rush. “It is [because] they are still just getting familiar with the offensive scheme and their reads and stuff don’t come as quick to them.”
However, there is a trap to that line of thinking. Shaq said if a rookie quarterback is starting, there is a reason for that.
“They are special,” Shaq said. “So rookie quarterbacks, when they come in and they contribute and do great, they are special. … But it is a little harder, a little tougher of a task.”
Given that Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is one of the sharpest coaches in the NFL, Shaq is convinced the Steelers will only lean on Pickett’s strengths.
“I think the coaches know what he is suseptable to,” Shaq said. “So they will put him in positions to succeed. As a defense, we have to try to confuse him a little bit.
“I think he is going to make some plays. It is up to us to make it harder and a little more difficult for him.”
That wouldn’t be a surprise to Joe. Bowles is known for some of the more complex blitz packages. They can even confuse the best of quarterbacks (hello Pat Mahomes, Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees).
So Joe can easily see Pickett throwing a couple of picks.
Can anyone else remember the last time a guy named “Pickett” led a charge against a good defense in Pennsylvania? Might happen again Sunday.
October 12th, 2022 at 3:04 pm
I’d love for all season long for old coach Arians to be individually spending time with Kyle Trask going over film, tendencies, etc.
October 12th, 2022 at 3:06 pm
Pittsburgh, like the NY Giants ate a team that we struggle with. Add to that, they are coming off of a humiliating defeat and Tomlin has never had a losing record. Bucs better actually have their act together this week.
October 12th, 2022 at 3:07 pm
@Geno trask is not the answer.
October 12th, 2022 at 3:18 pm
For a defense notorious for letting up and softening like an eggplant in the trunk of a Florida car in the summer, it’s good to hear Shaq take notice. Unfortunately talk is cheap because supply >>> demand.
I’ll believe it when I see it. We are going against a wounded rabid wolf. I can’t imagine the soft Bowelswich Bucs being ready.
October 12th, 2022 at 3:21 pm
Rookie QBs have so little film about them that you don’t know how they will react.
Historically the Bucs have trouble with them. Nick Foles, anyone?
If Bowles is a good coach he will have his team ready for anything, though some of our defense still doesn’t know how to tackle, take proper angles, or slow down so they don’t over-run plays.
Bowles also has to find the right button to fire them up, so they don’t get bored by the fourth quarter.
Can’t wait to see if Trask can make consistent and sustained drives. It would be nice to have two QBs in a row that could.
October 12th, 2022 at 3:23 pm
Ya well I’m taking the under on that 8 and a half point line. I’m sure the Bucs will get “bored” or something, and Najee Harris will magically have his first 100yard rushing game of the year. Talent wise – Tampa can and SHOULD jackhammer Pittsburgh in to the ground like Buffalo did (bet THEY didn’t get bored farting in pittsburghs face over and over again). But they won’t. Bucs will f around and have to come back in the 4th quarter, a receiver will get hurt etc etc. Go ahead, prove me wrong Sunday. I will happily eat my words. But I’m not betting on it
October 12th, 2022 at 3:23 pm
I still have nightmares about what Daniel Jones did to this team his rookie year.
October 12th, 2022 at 3:24 pm
We shouldn’t take the Steelers lightly……
October 12th, 2022 at 3:52 pm
They need to watch Pickett with a spy or something. He’s a sneaky guy who’s not afraid to run. I think he’ll throw some picks (hopefully) especially if we can make them one dimensional, but I have a bad feeling he’ll kill us by running it. They’re going to be pretty motivated after last week.
October 12th, 2022 at 4:05 pm
Face30 – another beauty. I spat some nice beverage LOL.
October 12th, 2022 at 4:29 pm
Anytime i hear of a rookie QB playing the bucs i have nightmares from 2019 and daniel jones. still one of the most heartbreaking games i have ever witnessed and took me a long time to get over it (probably the super bowl).
October 12th, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Just commenting here to say love the Pickett’s charge reference
October 12th, 2022 at 5:43 pm
Pittsburg fired their OC, there is still hope! Bucs have a way of making rookie or back up QB’s look like Pro Bowlers
October 12th, 2022 at 6:39 pm
Some say, Mike Tomlin is getting long in the tooth. And the NFL has passed him by.
I do know, he says a buncha fancy words, a lot.
If ya can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffling them with bull, will work for a while.
October 12th, 2022 at 6:57 pm
Sorry, but you’ve gotta have the beasts in the trenches. We need to add another ‘nasty’ beast or two if we expect to make through 12 more regular-season games then 4 playoff games.
October 12th, 2022 at 7:11 pm
The Steelers are going to come out kicking and scratching and clawing. If we don’t match that intensity it’s going to be a long day for the Bucs. I know on paper we have the better players and we do but this is a huge trap game for us if we aren’t careful and play a full complete game.
October 12th, 2022 at 9:20 pm
Kenny Pickett is well capable of doing a Daniel Jones. Arguably the best and most NFL ready QB in the draft, and a guy I was hoping Bucs would go after, prior to TB12 coming back.
Steelers are no joke if they are pissed off and motivated.
October 12th, 2022 at 10:17 pm
👍
October 12th, 2022 at 10:45 pm
I heard Antonio Brown is going to be at the game on Sunday. He sewed his Tampa jersey together with his Pittsburgh jersey and is going to run onto the field and see if anyone throws him the ball. Brady might draw up a couple of plays for him but only if he apologizes for talking about Giselle on his Insta page.
October 13th, 2022 at 8:27 am
The Steelers season is on the line. We will get their best game. Mark it down.