The Pittsburgh Steelers are on track to have one of the worst seasons that the franchise has had in recent memory. The team is coming off of a devastating 24-20 loss to the New York Jets at home on Sunday afternoon and are 1-3 heading into the toughest stretch of their 2022 schedule. The biggest takeaway from the matchup was head coach, Mike Tomlin deciding to bench Mitch Trubisky in favor of rookie first-round draft pick, Kenny Pickett. He had two rushing touchdowns, but threw three interceptions in his debut. One would think that there is no turning back now and Pickett will remain the starter, but not so fast.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett, center, the Pittsburgh Steelers first-round NFL football draft pick, poses for a photo with head coach Mike Tomlin, left, and president/owner Art Rooney II, at the team's training facility in Pittsburgh, Friday, April 29, 2022. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
It is hard to imagine that Tomlin would go right back to Trubisky. One would think his confidence isn't at an all-time high right now, but Tomlin isn't your typical coach. After the game, he would not look ahead to next week nor name a starting quarterback for the Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
"I'm not going to talk extended as we sit here. We did what we needed to do to put ourselves in position to win this game," Tomlin said. "I'd like to just keep it where we are and what transpired here today. We'll deal with next week, next week."
If he believed Pickett was the best option to try and help the Steelers beat the Jets, it is all too possible that he looks to the veteran, Trubisky next week, due his experience and in an attempt to combat Buffalo's dominant defense. With that said, it would be extremely unconventional of him to do so.
Tomlin was asked about the decision to bring the rookie in during the second half of Sunday's loss and admitted that the offense was nowhere near where he wanted it to be which is what led to the change.
"I just thought we needed a spark, man. We didn't do much in the first half, not enough offensively and thought he could provide a spark for us."
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) during a game at Acrisure Stadium against the New York Jets on Oct. 2, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. | Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
It wasn't the prettiest career debut for the signal-caller, but the offense did look a little bit different with him at the helm. Pickett played well according to Tomlin, but his three interceptions, although not completely his fault, were also on the mind of the man in charge.
"I thought he did some good things. I thought there was some energy there. We scored some touchdowns, but obviously, we turned the ball over."
It will be hard to walk back his decision to bench Trubisky mid game on Sunday, but Steelers fans should know more when Tomlin does his weekly press conference on Tuesday afternoon. Regardless, going back and forth isn't sustainable or healthy for either quarterback's growth. Whatever decision is made this week will tell us who is going to be the guy going forward. The organization needs to stick with one guy and ride him throughout the season, barring injury.
Do you think Tomlin already has his mind made up about the team's quarterback position or could he go back to Trubisky? Let us know in the comments below!
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