If they want to get to the next level with Kenny, they need a next level offensive coordinator.
Coaching and talent. There are guys having breakout seasons now that were disappointing early on.
Tua - He threw short early and isn't exactly known for having a rocket arm. Miami had a subpar offensive line and they give him Waddle and Hill. McDaniels is a bright offensive mind as well. Before this year, there was talk the Dolphins made a big mistake taking him over Herbert. His YPA went from under 7.0 to 8.7 this year and he nearly has as many touchdowns this season (22) than his first 23 games (27). May be considered an MVP candidate.
Hurts - Not even drafted in the first round, not many were looking at Hurts as a franchise QB. He wasn't very good as a rookie, completing only 52% of his passes. He's already equaled his first two years TD total this year at 22 and has a career-high 68% of his passes completed. He's obviously developed as a passer and the addition of Smith and Brown have certainly helped. A legitimate MVP candidate this year.
Lawrence - His rookie year was held back by Urban Meyer and they are in recovery mode still. Jacksonville still doesn't have much talent, but Lawrence has flashed some of the talented we expected to see as the No. 1 pick. Overall, though, he hasn't performed how they would expect in Jacksonville, but he's shown that upside this year and I think they need to make a big move for a stud receiver.
Fields - He stunk as a rookie except when he played the Steelers. The Bears have opened things up and allowed him to become a dual threat this season and he's produced better. He still isn't a good passer and plays for a team that traditionally ruins QBs, but there has been growth and if he takes a year-three leap, they Bears can get real good real fast.
Wilson - This is the guy who was suppose to have the arm talent and he stinks. He got benched for a late-round pick and doesn't even have the backup job over Joe Flacco.
Jones - Jones had a solid rookie season and seems to have regressed since then. Tough to say if he'll improve in year three or if he's already maxed out.
There are six guys who had average to bad rookie seasons. Two are MVP candidates, two are still questions, and a third may be showing signs of regression or maxing out. I don't know what Pickett will look like in year three, but what gives me confidence is his A+ work ethic and "it factor" he's always had about him. There are concerns not having an elite arm and his tendency to have happy feet in the pocket. They failed to prepare in advance for a young QB, so if I'm the Steelers I go all-in on building talent on the offensive side of the ball.
