Madden Monday: In opener, Steelers QB Kenny Pickett was less like 'Big Ken,' more like 'Bubby Pickett'

As Pittsburgh Steelers fans, we must admit that we are a rather simple lot.

Like early evolutionary humans: A drought happened, and famine occurred — they assumed the sun god was angry.

If there was a flood, the god of the sea is looking for vengeance.

If the Steelers lose, it must be Matt Canada’s fault.

To be fair, over the last few years, one could build such an argument.

But not to the degree that Steelers fans want to assume. Because that’s way too reductive.

Steelers lose? Blame the offensive coordinator.

It’s easier to rip the replaceable journeyman assistant coach than the fair-haired, golden-boy, local college quarterback and the 17-year coach who (as you may have heard) has never had a losing season.

Related:

• Airing of Grievances: Steelers look outmatched, ill-prepared vs. 49ers during regular season reality check
• First Call: Brock Purdy responds to Patrick Peterson's suggestion his offense has 'tells;' Ravens costly injury; Browns big win
• 49ers clobber Steelers as perfect preseason is quickly forgotten

Regarding Sunday’s 30-7 embarrassment against the San Francisco 49ers in the 2023 regular-season opener, though, Mark Madden of TribLIVE and 105.9 The X says that’s taking the easy way out.

“I know the big scapegoat is Matt Canada even though you have to be totally illogical to point at him first and foremost. Basically, T.J. Watt (three sacks) was the only guy on the team — be it coach, player, whatever — that earned his keep. But everybody else was absolute crap,” Madden said during this week’s “Madden Monday” podcast.

Indeed, the offense stunk. It netted just one touchdown and only 3.9 yards per play. But, with 17 days to prepare for the opener, Madden says the buck has to stop one rung higher up the ladder.

“I keep coming back to (head coach Mike) Tomlin. I think he’s an absolute fraud, and I think today was another chapter,” Madden continued.

Yet Madden doesn’t want to limit the analysis to the coaches. How about some responsibility for the players, particularly Kenny Pickett?

“All the stuff we talked ourselves into believing about Kenny Pickett in the preseason absolutely, 100% blew up in our face, his face, everybody’s face. He was just rotten. He was rotten,” Madden said. “And I know people are going to make excuses — the O-line, and they weren’t so good. It was the same old crap too with a game plan. Don’t use the middle, play it safe all the time. Diontae Johnson got hurt (hamstring), (George) Pickens looked like he was starting to get mad. But Pickett didn’t get it done. And, I had to laugh, was it Cam Heyward that tried to tag (Pickett) ‘Big Ken,’ like ‘Big Ben’ (Roethlisberger)? He’s more like Bubby Pickett.”

Madden also took a jab at cornerback Patrick Peterson for saying that he’d get an interception against the 49ers because they had “tells” in their offense. Instead, he was beaten for two touchdowns from Brock Purdy to Brandon Aiyuk.

“When Pat Pete came in, I thought he was a glue guy. You know what he is? He’s just another Black and Gold guy who blah, blah, blahs,” Madden said.

Also in the podcast, Madden and I discuss the Steelers defensive problems, their next game against the Cleveland Browns and Phil Jurkovec’s displeasure with Pitt’s booing fans.