Steelers rookie QB Kenny Pickett takes over for ineffective Mitchell Trubisky, throws interception on first drive

The Kenny Pickett era is underway.

After a six-point first half produced four punts, a turnover and two field goals against the New York Jets, the Pittsburgh Steelers benched Mitchell Trubisky in favor of their rookie quarterback. He threw an interception on his first drive.

Facing first-and-10 near midfield, Pickett looked deep downfield to Chase Claypool on a play-action pass. But Claypool faced double coverage and Pickett's ball hung up in the air, allowing Jets safety Jordan Whitehead to intercept the ball off a Lamarcus Joyner deflection.

Pickett was the No. 20 pick in April's draft and the only quarterback selected in the first round. Head coach Mike Tomlin named Trubisky the team's starter after a preseason battle at quarterback, but Pittsburgh's offense was stagnant in a 1-2 start.

The Steelers averaged 18 points in their first three games as Trubisky totaled two touchdowns and an interception while averaging 189.7 passing yards per game. He completed 7 of 13 passes for 84 yards with an interception on Sunday before Tomlin made the switch to Pickett.