Kenny Pickett's critical second season and the pressure to become a Steelers legend

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett struggled in his debut in 30 -7 loss to San Francisco 49ers.

Pickett was handpicked by the team to succeed Ben Roethlisberger .

The team embraced Pickett from the moment he took over the starting job at halftime of the Week 4 game a year ago .

The Steelers are 9 -9 and the offense has scored 30 points or more only once this season .

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett started offseason workouts with longtime quarterback coach Tony Racioppi .

Pickett improved his footwork, base and pocket movement and cleaning up his throwing movement.

After a near-flawless preseason, Pickett and the Steelers put up a dud in Week 1 .

Pittsburgh 's offense recorded five consecutive three -and-outs to open the season .

Pittsburgh lost to Virginia in the opening game of the 2019 NFL season.

Quarterback Pickett threw one touchdown to two interceptions with a 51% completion percentage.