The Pittsburgh Steelers were 10-point underdogs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers ahead of Sunday's non-conference matchup and came away with a huge 20-18 win. The original credit has to go to the defense as the unit limited Tom Brady and his offense despite having a plethora of injuries in the secondary. Starting quarterback, Kenny Pickett exited the game with a concussion midway through the third quarter with Pittsburgh up 13-12. That opened up the door for Mitch Trubisky to come in and help the offense seal the win after several big time plays throughout the final quarter and a half.
The Steelers' Mitch Trubisky gets ready for practice bfore taking on the Jets in Week 4 in Pittsburgh, PA. | Credit: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
Trubisky, who was benched as the starter a week ago before the team's matchup against the Buffalo Bills, got an opportunity to redeem himself and he did just that. Another member of the offense who has been heavily criticized in recent weeks has been Chase Claypool. The receiver entered the game with just 16 receptions for 129 yards. On Sunday, the third-year player hauled in seven passes for 96 yards and a crucial fourth quarter touchdown reception.
The duo converted three separate third and longs for the offense and the passes went for 16, 17 and 26 yards late in the fourth quarter. It should be a huge breath of fresh air for Steelers fans as Claypool had the exact game that many have been expecting from him this season. For Trubisky, it is never easy to come in the game as a backup, but he did and had his most effective outing of the season.
"Yea, I was ready to go. You gotta be ready to go once your number's called," Trubisky said of coming in after Pickett's injury. "I just wanted to come in and help the team win anyway I could. [My guys] had my back when I came in. It was fun to see. We all kind of rallied around."
When asked if he was more willing to pull the trigger and let it loose Sunday, he didn't shy away from admitting that the aggressive nature of his play was on display against Tampa Bay.
"It just felt good today. I was ready to go and just playing within the play and trying to make plays and go out and win the game."
The biggest of the throws to Claypool was a 26-yard pass down the left sideline on a 3rd and 11. Trubusky trusted his wide receiver would be open down the field to convert a key third down play.
"I was looking to see which direction he was going to go. I knew he was going to get free from that backer. I didn't know if he was going to break across the middle of the field or come back towards me. I tried to put it over the shoulder. He mad a phenomenal grab to get two feet in and to keep us on the field was a huge play for us."
Steelers wide receiver, Chase Claypool (#11) on the field at 2022 training camp in Latrobe, PA |
Trubisky was asked how rewarding this performance was after his recent benching and his response was rather simple.
"It's always rewarding when you win. Always."Make no mistake, the Steelers prevailed against the Buccaneers because of the incredible effort from the defense, but the performances from both Trubisky and Claypool are right up there with the biggest reasons why the organization got their second win. The quarterback was 9/12 for 144 yards and a touchdown and absolutely deserves a game ball, along with Claypool.
Were you impressed with both Trubisky and Claypool's showings on offense against the Buccaneers? Let us know in the comments below!
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