When the Pittsburgh Steelers faced the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14, quarterback Kenny Pickett spent the last three quarters in concussion protocol while a series of interceptions and missed opportunities contributed to a 16-14 loss.
The Steelers scored touchdowns in two of four red-zone opportunities, with one of Mitch Trubisky’s three interceptions and a blocked field goal contributing to the missed chances.
Pickett will get another chance to start against the Ravens when the teams meet Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium, and he knows where he wants to improve the most.
“Consistency in finishing drives has to be the focus,” Pickett said Wednesday. “We have to finish in the red zone and be better there. That’s just what we’ve been preaching pretty much the back half of the season. It’s an emphasis where we have to be a lot better there.”
The Steelers made strides in wins against the Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders. Trubisky led three touchdown drives in three trips inside the red zone against the Panthers, and Pickett returned from concussion protocol to lead a last-minute touchdown drive in the 13-10 win against Las Vegas.
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Pickett’s 14-yard touchdown pass with 46 seconds remaining, however, represented the Steelers’ only trip inside the red zone Saturday night. Boswell missed two of four field-goal attempts on drives that stalled before the Steelers breached the 20.
“When we get down there the field shrinks, so you have to be balanced and do different things,” Pickett said. “That’s something we’re going to continue to work on.”
The Steelers have converted 53.3% of their red-zone chances into touchdowns this season, ranking No. 17 in the NFL.
The fourth-quarter comeback for Pickett was his second since the bye week. He said the amount of time the Steelers practice the two-minute offense helped him lead the offense 76 yards in 10 plays while taking just 2 minutes, 9 seconds off the clock.
“We do a good job repping it here. I feel pretty comfortable in it,” Pickett said. “Coach (Mark) Whipple got me ready at the college level (as Pitt offensive coordinator). All the things he taught me there kind of carried over here. I’m getting comfortable with the calls, the rhythm, the fluidity of it.”
