The Pittsburgh Steelers have faced considerable quarterback drama throughout the 2023 NFL season. The situation in their quarterback room has been a hot topic of discussion, with Kenny Pickett struggling under former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, Mitch Trubisky's inability to win games, and Mason Rudolph's surprising impact. The decision to bench Pickett, especially during the most significant game of his young career, has left one former NFL quarterback utterly astounded.
USA Today
Steelers QB Kenny Pickett getting reps in at practice.
Rudolph has injected a fresh sense of energy and confidence into the Steelers' offense. The team has fully embraced his leadership, resulting in a cohesive and effective offensive unit. Notably, Rudolph has developed a strong rapport with George Pickens, the talented wide receiver known for occasional behavioral challenges.
Their relationship is so solid that Pickens was visibly celebrating during a game, even though he didn't receive any targets. This newfound chemistry between Rudolph and Pickens has been a positive development for the Steelers' offense. As the Steelers prepare for the Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills, former NFL quarterback Brady Quinn shared his insights on the team's decision to stick with Rudolph as the starter instead of giving the job back to Pickett.
Quinn discussed the importance of Pickett gaining more experience under the guidance of new play-callers Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan on his podcast, Two Pros and a Cup of Joe.
"Don't you wanna see him [Pickett] getting more games under Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan calling plays? I mean he was improved. These are the moments that you want to see him compete and see what he's capable of doing, but there's also an element of like, well let's see what we have in him."
Steelers Long-Term Vision
Quinn emphasized the need for a long-term vision when evaluating the Steelers quarterback situation.
"I understand you wanna win. You've had this momentum now, but there still has to be a longer-term vision of if this guy's healthy, let's put him in there. Let's play him."
Quinn questioned the Steelers' decision to stick with Rudolph as their quarterback during the postseason when they had invested a first-round pick in Pickett.
"If they're gonna go down, why not go down with a guy that you invested a first round pick, see if he can help lead you to victory on the road. And if he can't, then it gives you a little more clarity going in the offseason of what that position looks like."
While Quinn's perspective suggests the Steelers should prioritize assessing Pickett during this postseason, the team's current focus is squarely on winning games. Quinn's statement assumes that the Steelers have resigned themselves to defeat against the Bills.
However, the reality under Rudolph is quite the opposite. The Steelers not only believe they can beat the Bills, but also have the confidence to pursue a championship run, despite being labeled as underdogs by many.
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Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) celebrates after a victory against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 of the 2023 season.
It's important to remember that the Steelers are driven by their desire to win. With the significant offensive improvement seen under Rudolph's leadership, the team wants to maintain that momentum. Pickett hasn't had the luckiest time since he was drafted by the Steelers, but he must earn his postseason start in the competitive world of professional football.
Mike Tomlin and the rest of the team prioritize victory over simply using this playoff game to assess Pickett's performance and his future. This playoff game holds more significance than mere player evaluation; it represents an opportunity for Tomlin and the Steelers to break their playoff win drought, dating back to the 2016 season.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin awaits patiently for the start of Super Bowl XLV.
Although Tomlin has managed to avoid having a losing season in his remarkable 17-year tenure as the Steelers' head coach, his postseason performance has been less consistent since their Super Bowl victory in 2008. Since 2011, the Steelers have faced difficulties in the playoffs, accumulating a modest 3-7 record during that period.
Sunday represents an opportunity for Tomlin and the Steelers to silence their critics. Facing the Bills, who are favored to win by a significant 10-point margin, the Steelers find themselves as the most significant underdogs in the Wild Card weekend, and the gap between them and the Bills is substantial.
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