Steelers Daily Links

Steelers Daily Links: Sutton No. 3 Free Agent CB; Praise for Pickett’s Work Ethic

Published

1 year ago

January 21, 2023

Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada participates in the Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Tuesday May 25, 2021 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Caitlyn Epes / Pittsburgh Steelers)

Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton is one of the top available cornerback set to hit free agency, and Kenny Pickett’s work ethic is drawing some attention as he enters his second pro season.

🏈 Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus ranked the top 50 players set to enter free agency in 2023, and Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton came in at No. 17. “Sutton quietly continued to excel in a Pittsburgh coverage unit that was otherwise very exploitable this season, with 2022 being just his second season as a full-time starter on the outside,” Spielberger wrote. “Sutton signed a two-year, $9 million deal in 2021 that he outplayed in 2022, earning a 71.0 coverage grade and allowing just 411 receiving yards — the ninth fewest among cornerbacks with at least 400 coverage snaps on the season. Sutton’s versatility as a defensive back who can still line up in the slot when called upon provides added value for interested teams, as well.”

🏈 Former Steelers assistant wide receivers coach Blaine Stewart was officially named West Virginia’s tight end coach on Friday. “I am so thankful to Coach Neal Brown for the opportunity to return home to a program that means so much to me and my family. West Virginia will always hold such a special place in my heart,” Stewart said in a statement. “It is an honor and privilege to come home to represent not only the University, but the entire state. I am ready to get to work to provide a product that Mountaineer fans will be proud of on and off the field.”

🏈 Pat McAfee gave a shoutout to Blaine Stewart on his new position. “I’ve literally known Blaine since he was a child.. His dad, a legend, was my coach at WVU..The facility was a 2nd home for Blaine when he was growing up… now he has his own room there. This is really cool. I’m so incredibly proud of you my brother. Let’s GOOOOO,” McAfee tweeted.

🏈 Former Pitt wide receivers coach and current UNLV quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator Brennan Marion gave high praise to Kenny Pickett’s work ethic. “Kenny Pickett took the wideouts outside 2-3 times a week, worked on every route full speed like (game) reps. Without any coaches, that’s how you become a 1st round QB & NFL starter!” Marion said on his Instagram Story.

🏈 Kenny Pickett said in an interview with Dale Lolley of Steelers.com that taking “full ownership of the offense” is the next step he wants to take over the course of the offseason. “When I first started this season, it was ‘Alright, I get to play. A, B, C, the basics, and move on to the next play.’ Now, the more comfortable you get, you’re seeing things a step faster,” Picket said. “You’re taking advantage of alert plays in the system that you can get more shot plays from. They’re giving me more responsibility from that aspect of it and giving me the green light to go do more things. I think complete ownership of the system is really what I want to do. And that will take our offense to the next level.”

🏈 Friday marked the 43rd anniversary of the Steelers’ 31-19 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. It was the last of the Steelers’ four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s.

Super Bowl XIV, today in 1980

The vibrant golden colors of the #Rams and #Steelers, the end zones painted in yellow, the setting late-afternoon Pasadena sun…

all of it makes for some of NFL history's most beautiful imagery. pic.twitter.com/gcwQ0wPBfz

— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) January 20, 2023

🏈 According to Dane Brugler of The Athletic, several NFL teams feel the value at wide receiver this year will come after round one. “They’ll be comfortable waiting until day 2. There isn’t a WR in this class considered a lock top-20 pick, but (Jordan) Addison has a chance,” Brugler tweeted.

🏈 Steelers strong safety Terrell Edmunds celebrated his 26th birthday on Friday.

🏈 On this date in 1979, the Steelers captured their third Super Bowl title by defeating the Dallas Cowboys, 35-31, at the Orange Bowl in Miami. It is considered by many as one of the best Super Bowls ever.

OTD 1979
Super Bowl XIII
Rocky made one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history when he jumped 18-20 feet in the air 😉 for a TD.
“Great leaping fingertip catch by @RockyBleier who has never been known as a @Lynn88Swann “- Myron Cope.#Steelers pic.twitter.com/Rb5waP4unN

— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) January 21, 2023