The Pittsburgh Steelers' first round quarterback, Kenny Pickett, and free agent addition, Mitch Trubisky, are set to battle it out to be named QB1 for the 2022 season. We know that Pickett will probably be the Steelers' starter for years to come, but that doesn't necessarily mean that he'll be starting from Day 1. This QB battle is shaping up to be one for the ages and I, for one, cannot wait to watch it unfold in training camp and the preseason.
Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
It would only be a great problem to have if Trubisky exceeds expectations in year 1 and finally arrives onto the NFL scene after a messy time with the Chicago Bears and taking a year to reset and learn under Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. We haven't seen a QB battle in Pittsburgh this thrilling in a very long time. Even when future first ballot Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger was drafted in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft. He was supposed to be the third QB on the depth chart that year.
In an article by CBS Sports released Wednesday morning, the Steelers QB battle topped a list of QB competitions to watch.
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) participates in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) Wednesday June 1, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Writer, Cody Benjamin, stated in the article about the competition:
"This one isn't getting as much national attention as it warrants, being the only legit competition for a team built to remain in the playoff mix. Pickett is the hotter name, entering as the team's first Day 1 QB pick since Ben Roethlisberger, not to mention with local roots and a history at Heinz Field. Trubisky, meanwhile, at least offers the mobility their offense lacked under center in 2021, and has the benefit of NFL experience. Mike Tomlin's choice for the kickoff to another brawl for the AFC North will be noteworthy."
Benjamin is right. This QB battle will be one that is noteworthy. The Steelers are going to be competitive this season and will remain in the playoff mix in 2022. The Steelers' coaching staff refuses to give us any detail on how this competition is shaping up currently, however. Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada has given us the most vague answer of how things have transpired so far in Organized Team Activities (OTAs) and minicamp:
“I think Coach [Tomlin] has been very clear that Mitch is No. 1, working with the ones and doing a really good job with that. Mason [Rudolph] is No. 2, and Kenny is No. 3 and we are working that way based on experience, based on résumé.”
Come on, Coach Canada, we can see that based on reps being given out and it's the most obvious plan for an NFL QB battle that consists of veterans and a first round rookie!
Steelers' First-Round QB Kenny Pickett drops back in Mini Camp (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
“Kenny Pickett coming in is working his tail off, I mean I got to kick him out of the room. I mean he’s always in there putting in extra effort and picking things up.”
Other QB competitions that made the list include the Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson vs. The NFL and San Francisco 49ers' Trey Lance vs. Jimmy Garoppolo's shadow, but the Steelers QB battle was listed number one, above all.
The free agent veteran has came in and started to lead right away in regards to Trubisky and the rookie is working as hard as he can to earn as many reps as he can right away in Pickett. Grab the popcorn, this thing is going to play out in training camp and the preseason. I do agree with CBS Sports though, buckle up Steeler fans, this IS the most intriguing NFL QB competition to watch this off-season. Stay tuned!
What do yinz think about CBS Sports listing the Steelers' QB battle as the most intriguing in the NFL this offseason? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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