In a recent game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett's performance fell short yet again, raising concerns about his ability to lead the team in a quarterback-driven league. Pickett's underwhelming performance has led some to question whether he is truly the right fit for the Steelers' starting position.

Despite being given numerous opportunities to prove himself, Pickett has yet to deliver a standout performance in his 20 NFL appearances. In the game against the Jaguars, Pickett completed just 10 of 16 passes for a mere 73 yards, failing to record any touchdowns and finishing with a passer rating of 73.2 before exiting the field with a rib injury.

Critics argue that Pickett's throwing accuracy has been a consistent issue throughout his career. On multiple occasions, he has missed open receivers, costing the team valuable scoring opportunities. Pickett's numbers for the season further highlight his struggles, with 122 completions out of 200 attempts, only five touchdowns, four interceptions, and a disappointing passer rating of 80.6.

Comparatively, rookie quarterback Will Levis of the Tennessee Titans made his NFL debut in a stunning fashion. In his first game, Levis completed 19 of 29 passes for 238 yards, four touchdowns, and an impressive passer rating of 130.5, helping the Titans secure a 28-23 win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Titans, led by Levis, are set to face the Steelers on Thursday night, raising anticipation for a potential quarterback showdown.

With Pickett's underwhelming performances becoming the norm, questions arise about his long-term potential as the starting quarterback for the Steelers. Although he has compiled a somewhat respectable career record of 11-8, critics argue that this success has largely been a result of the team winning despite Pickett's performance rather than because of it.

Looking ahead, the Steelers will have to make a crucial decision regarding Pickett's future. As his rookie contract nears its end, the team will have to determine whether to pick up the fifth-year option. Despite the questionable numbers, the Steelers are likely to exercise this option, given their reluctance to admit mistakes and their desire to give Pickett further opportunities to prove himself.

While Pickett's fans may defend him by pointing out various factors that have hindered his performance, such as poor offensive coordination, an inadequate offensive line, and a lack of a consistent running game, the reality remains that the quarterback position carries the ultimate responsibility in the NFL. Pickett's inability to consistently deliver strong performances raises doubts about his future as the team's starting quarterback.

As the Steelers prepare to face the Titans, all eyes will be on Pickett and Levis. Should Pickett struggle or be unable to play due to his rib injury, Levis will have a prime opportunity to outshine him and potentially underscore the concerns surrounding Pickett's ability to lead the team effectively.

In a quarterback-driven league where exceptional quarterback play often determines a team's success, the Steelers' decision regarding Pickett's future will be crucial. As the debate rages on, it becomes increasingly clear that Pickett's current level of play may not be sufficient for the Steelers' ambitions.