The Pittsburgh Steelers have an ongoing quarterback competition between Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Mason Rudolph as you've probably heard. Heading into training camp, Trubisky is the overwhelming favorite to win the job, as he's currently the first-string. Through OTAs and into the week in Latrobe now, Rudolph has taken snaps as the primary backup.
That leaves the rookie, Pickett, as the No. 3, despite being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite the competition though, Trubisky has shown a tremendous amount of leadership throughout the off-season. While he did acknowledge that the Steelers didn't tell him that they would draft a quarterback (or two if you include Chris Oladokun), he's remained a professional about the situation.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Chris Oladokun, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky participate in phase two of the voluntary off-season workout program, Thursday, May 19, 2022 at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. | Abigail Dean / Pittsburgh Steelers
The team showed up to Saint Vincent College on Tuesday for training camp, returning to Latrobe for the first time in a few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Wednesday morning, Trubisky had this to say about the ongoing competition for the starting QB job, via Josh Rowntree of 93.7 The Fan:
"I think it's just being a great teammate every day. Having those conversations in the meeting room, in the locker room, or wherever we are at [out] at practice," Trubisky said via Rowntree. "Helping him if he [Pickett] has any questions and just share my experiences with him. Going into Year 6, I have a lot of experiences when it comes to training camp, when it comes to learning offenses.
As Trubisky mentioned, he's heading into his sixth season as an NFL quarterback. After four seasons as a starter with the Chicago Bears and one season with the Buffalo Bills as a backup, the veteran has seen it all. Now, in his first season in Pittsburgh, he's focused on more than just his own game. That shows true maturity from a guy like Trubisky, especially when it's so easy to only worry about yourself.
The Steelers had one of the worst offenses in the NFL last season, so they have a lot of work to do before the season begins. It begins with quarterback play, as long-time starter, Ben Roethlisberger, had his limitations and struggles in 2021. So just why is it important that Trubisky is taking on this leadership role?
"Just having those conversations, it helps me as well and we're all just trying to push each other and when we do that, then we all get better," Trubisky said.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks a replay on the scoreboard with head coach Mike Tomlin, second from right, offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, second from left, and quarterback Mason Rudolph during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, in Pittsburgh. Roethlisberger did not play in the second half. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Since signing Trubisky to a two-year, $14+ million deal, he's clearly given the Steelers more than just an on-the-field performer. With the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger, a veteran leader like Trubisky was much-needed on the offensive side of the ball. Even a veteran like Rudolph doesn't seem to be outspoken enough to take on a leadership role like that. Trubisky's way of going about things does seem a bit different than Roethlisberger. For years, Roethlisberger didn't seem too much into helping out Rudolph, who was a young, inexperienced QB at the time.
What are your guys' feelings on Trubisky so far? Will this kind of leadership translate to better results from the offense in 2022? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!
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