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Steelers' Tomlin: 'A lot of good things to build on' in Pickett's debut

Justin Berl / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was happy with rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett's performance in Saturday's preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks.

"He moved his group. He played situational football. He played with a competitive spirit. A lot of good things to build on from a first performance," Tomlin said after Pittsburgh's 32-25 victory, according to Steelers Depot's Matthew Marczi.

Pittsburgh made Pickett the first quarterback drafted this year with the 20th overall selection. The 24-year-old went 13-for-15 passing with 95 yards and two touchdowns Saturday, including a game-winning 24-yard TD pass to receiver Tyler Vaughns with three seconds remaining.

Pickett, who also added 16 yards on three rushing attempts, started the second half for the Steelers after Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph played in the first two quarters. The three are competing for the starting quarterback job, which became vacant when Ben Roethlisberger retired in January.

Trubisky played only two drives against Seattle, throwing for 63 yards and one touchdown on 4-for-7 passing. Meanwhile, Rudolph completed 9 of 15 pass attempts for 93 yards and one TD.

"I could say the same thing about all three, to be honest with you," Tomlin said. "They moved their units. They did the informal things associated with the position from a leadership and communication standpoint. They were engaged. It was a good first time out for all three."

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