When the Pittsburgh Steelers schedule first came out, many believed this team had the ability to have a successful first month of the season, up until they got into their tough October stretch. That theory started out great, as the Steelers picked up a Week 1 victory vs the Cincinnati Bengals, but have since dropped their last three straight games against inter conference AFC opponents. They now sit fourth in the AFC North with a record of 1-3.
CLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 22: Mitch Trubisky #10 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs off the field during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 22, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
In each of these games, it could be argued that the Steelers were the betting favorites to win, falling short of expectations instead of it being the other way around. Essentially both sides of the football have been extremely underwhelming; showing potential glimpses of hope, but not on a consistent basis as of yet. Much of the blame has been put on the lack of ball movement on the offensive side of the football, and rightfully so. This Pittsburgh offense, led by five-year NFL veteran, Mitch Trubisky, was averaging just over 278 yards per game only reaching the end zone four times in five games.
In need of a "spark," head coach, Mike Tomlin decided to roll with rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett, to start the second half in what turned out to be a loss to the New York Jets on Sunday. Trubisky and this Steelers offense was looking close to desperate for some sort of consistency. With help from his defense, Pickett provided just what this offense needed; scoring two rushing touchdowns of his own, giving the good guys the lead late in the second half of the game. One of those touchdowns does not come without the help of All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick, as he had a crucial interception that gave the Steelers offense the ball at the opponents' goal line.
Steelers.com
While both Fitzpatrick and Pickett's contributions were not enough to hold off the Jets, there was a different energy inside the stadium this week, and it's something I hope this team can build on. In order to do that, they will have to put the first month of the season behind them, as they have a tough October schedule staring them down. I think many expected this football team to at least have more than one win at this stage in the season, but the Steelers have given up way more games than they have lost at this point; something Fitzpatrick is getting tired of:
It’s unclear if there will be a permanent change at the quarterback position. Coach Tomlin has yet to make a vocal decision, and probably won't until his Tuesday presser at the earliest. It's clear, to me at least, that Pickett has a hold of this offense a lot better than Trubisky has. So why not roll with the rookie? If that is the case, in order for this team to be competitive in 2022, which they still have a chance of doing, this defense is going to have to step up. Getting All-Pro edge rusher, T.J. Watt, back in these next few weeks should help the cause, at least we can only hope.
Pittsburgh Steelers safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) returns interception in loss vs The New York Jets. | Abigail Dean / Steelers.com
Do you think this Pickett sighting can help turn this team around? Or will this tough schedule be too much to overcome? Comment below!
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