The Pittsburgh Steelers hired Quarterbacks Coach Mike Sullivan in February of last year. He has work cut out for him with manning a very young quarterback room. Everyone around the league knows the Steelers have a tough competition underway, currently in the early phases, to see who will be starting under center come Week 1. Sullivan sat down with Steelers' reporter Missi Matthews to discuss the competition that's taking place.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks participate in Organized Team Activities (OTA’s) Thursday May 26, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. (Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers)
As of right now, the clear order during Organized Team Activities (OTA’s) has been:
Matthews asked Sullivan about what he's seeing from the quarterbacks room right now during OTA’s as we inch closer to mini camp:
"Well, you know, the group has put in a lot of hard work, they're doing a lot of things that we want them to do. It's a new system in a lot of ways. And you know, you look at each one of them with some different backgrounds. Mitch, of course, the most seasoned, the most veteran quarterback in the room and you know this is his fourth system he's been in, so he's a little bit more well versed in adapting and kind of picking things up trying to translate his brain, so to speak, and go out there and produce. And of course, Mason having been here, there is a lot of carryover, and he knows some of the areas he's got to improve upon. He's doing that. And really pleased with the two young guys that we have, you know, 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. And really pleased with Chris Oladokun, I mean, he's a guy maybe not getting as many reps right now, but making the most of his opportunities and he's picking things up, so it's been a lot of fun so far. "
Steelers' QB Mitch Trubisky makes a pass in OTA's (Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers)
Matthews followed up with a question about if Sullivan is seeing the leadership role Trubisky has taken on:
"In a lot of ways he is. I mean he's just a likable young man. And he just has a very pleasant demeanor; he'll also bust your chops. You know, he's got a sense of humor and I think he has a way of just trying to connect with all of his teammates. He's come in with confidence, but also with humility and I think that's something that you know, his teammates see him putting in the time. And of course, you know, his experience, he took his team to the playoffs two years there in Chicago. And you know, he's had a journey that has had its up and downs and I think he's excited about his opportunity and really has molded and gelled well with his teammates."
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Chris Oladokun, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky participate in phase two of the voluntary off-season workout program, Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
This sure seems like it's going to be a fun QB competition to watch unfold as we go through mini camp, training camp, and the preseason! Stay tuned!
Check out the interview in its entirety here!
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