Former NFL quarterback, Tony Romo is the latest to give his input into the Pittsburgh Steelers' crucial quarterback debate. Rookie Kenny Pickett and free agent signee, Mitch Trubisky are the two primary competitors for the spot, as three-year Steelers veteran Mason Rudolph has an outside chance as well.
Since the conclusion of OTA's, it's become obvious that Trubisky seems to be the overwhelming favorite heading into training camp. Things can change, but he has a leg (or two) up on the other two for the starting spot. Romo, who has become a prominent color commentator for CBS since retirement, made an appearance on CBS Sports Radio with Zach Gelb. Romo reflected on who he thinks will win the job in Pittsburgh, and why.
"I think you will see Trubisky start. Once you've been in the league for awhile, you have such an advantage over someone else coming in [and] learning a system," Romo said via CBS Sports Radio. "It's really hard for a youngster [like Pickett] to learn. When you have a guy who's been in the league for three or four years, he has a very big advantage on terminology, communication in the huddle, just overall."
Credit: Sporting News
This is often true for rookie quarterbacks when facing off against a veteran in a battle for the starting job. Typically, the only ones who start immediately are the elite, generational talents, like the Trevor Lawrence's of the world. Despite being a top pick, Trubisky wasn't forced into action when he first entered the NFL with the Chicago Bears. Mike Glennon started the first few games for the Bears in 2017, before Trubisky took over just a few weeks into the season.
Pickett comes into the NFL with the Steelers after five college seasons, but he is far from a finished product. He was mostly uninspiring for the first four seasons, before really figuring things out in his fifth and final season. Romo also knows a thing or two about quarterbacking in the NFL. In fact, he faced a similar situation after the Dallas Cowboys drafted Dak Prescott. Romo threw in some additional praise for the Steelers organization.
"Pittsburgh's a great franchise. They've always shown the ability to win. Coach [Mike] Tomlin always figures out a way," the former Cowboys QB said. "Even the year Ben [Roethlisberger] went down, he still got to like .500 or better. That's insane, and he'll figure it out [this year]."
Romo seems optimistic for the black and gold's chances for the 2022 season. This is quite the contrary to the kind of attention that the national media has given the Steelers this off-season. Many outlets have Tomlin and his team ranked in the low-20's amongst the 32 NFL teams.
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Soon enough, all of it won't matter. The games will be played, and all of the power rankings will be thrown out the window. Romo's comments though, are just the latest affirmation as to who the leading candidate for the Steelers' QB job is.
Will things change between now and Week 1 in Cincinnati? Do you think it's wise to sit Pickett and let him develop? Are you confident in Trubisky? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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