The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback competition seems to be even more intense than expected. After rumors that rookie Kenny Pickett had virtually "zero" shot at winning the starting job, he's seen reps on the second-team this week. Part of that is to just switch up the teams in those drills, but it means he's doing enough to get more opportunities. Additionally, the overwhelming favorite heading into camp, Mitch Trubisky, has had his fair share of struggles, which is reasonable considering he's going against one of the best defenses in the NFL.
PITTSBURGH, PA - MAY 24: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10), running back Najee Harris (22), quarterback Kenny Pickett (8), and quarterback Chris Oladokun (5) take part in a drill during the team's OTA practice, Tuesday, May 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh, PA. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The third guy, Mason Rudolph, the veteran of the group, has surprised many as well and seems to be contention for the starting job. Just over a week into camp in Latrobe, there doesn't seem to be a clear winner thus far. Trubisky is likely the frontrunner still, as he continues to take a majority of the first-team snaps. Rudolph and Pickett seem to be closing in on the competition though.
Pickett had a very rough first week, which is expected out of a rookie. Even the best quarterbacks, like Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson, have struggled in their rookie training camps. Pickett was also seeing reps on the third-team in his opening week, meaning he didn't have any time in the pocket. The third-team defensive line was in the backfield on nearly every play, disrupting the backup offensive linemen.
On Monday, Pickett began seeing second-team reps. Those reps continued into Tuesday, to which he enjoyed some success, per our very own, Brandon James Wallace. After a disappointing day on Monday, Rudolph seemingly bounced back as well.
@kennypickett10 getting second team reps again. Just threw a tuddy himself!@Rudolph2Mason came in right after and did the same thing! Our boys looking good right now! 🔥 #HereWeGo
— B-Wall (@BWall) August 2, 2022
Pickett remains the least likely option to win the starting job, behind Trubisky and Rudolph, in that order. With that being said, it's nice to see the rookie get some reps against some better competition, while having more protection. It will only help him in the long run, as whoever wins the job will likely be on a short leash in 2022. History suggests that the 2022 first-rounder, Pickett, is essentially a guarantee to start at some point in his first professional season.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/Steeler Nation (JSKO_PHOTO)
Are you guys tired of hearing about this QB competition yet? Do you give Pickett much of a chance at starting in Week 1? Let us know your thoughts on who you think will win the QB job in the comments below!
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