The Pittsburgh Steelers run a two-minute drill at the end of almost every practice during training camp. It is a key part of the game in both the first and second halves that can have a huge impact on the final score. For the most part, Mitch Trubisky has run with the first-team and Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett have rotated with the second-team, but there was a different approach taken on Tuesday afternoon. Trubisky received the day off in regards to the drill and Pickett was given first-team reps after leading a game-winning touchdown drive on Saturday versus the Seattle Seahawks and getting plenty of second-team reps Monday. Rudolph then came in for the second go around on Tuesday.
Steelers Kenny Pickett warms up for his first ever NFL action against the Seattle Seahawks on 8/13 | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Pickett started things off finding both Najee Harris and Chase Claypool for a total of 12 yards. While averaging 6 yards per reception during the two-minute drill isn't promising, Pickett continued to show his pinpoint accuracy. Pickett was then "sacked" by T.J. Watt (no surprise there) which forced the offense to use a time out.
The rookie quarterback immediately made up for lost time, finding star in the making, George Pickens for a 27-yard play. It was a beautiful throw from Pickett hitting Pickens down the sideline.
The offense was now in a position to find its' way into the end zone. The remaining time left for Pickett did not go as it did on Saturday, however. His rep was ended after he threw two passes through the back of the end zone and the defense was triumphant as has been the case for the majority of camp. Regardless, Pickett went against the first-team defense with offensive talent around him and got the unit in position to score. He fell just short at the 14-yard line.
Steelers Rudolph Fails To Lead Second-Team To Successful Two-Minute Drill
In came Rudolph for his shot. Rudolph is coming off of a decent showing during the first preseason matchup other than a fumble and one or two poor decisions throwing the football. He was 9/15 for 93 yards and threw a touchdown pass. Him and Pickett are in an extremely tight race to become the backup quarterback behind Trubisky and reps like these can't be taken advantage of by either signal-caller.
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph warming up for a preseason game on 8/13 against the Seattle Seahawks | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The Steelers veteran quarterback started off his drive going 3/5 and moved the ball into opposing territory. The Rudolph-led offense was at the 30-yard line, but a rough show of things for him saw him finish the drive going just 4/8. Rudolph tried finding Christian Blake on a fourth down, but James Pierre was there with tight coverage. The drive ended there.
One of the biggest issues on the drive was rookie defensive lineman, DeMarvin Leal who was getting constant pressure in the backup going up against offensive lineman, John LeGlue.
Trubisky receiving the day off and Pickett running with the ones should not be looked into intensely by Steelers fans. It is still Trubisky's job to lose and after a solid showing on Saturday night, he is still the team's first-team quarterback. He will have to perform extremely poorly and one of the other two guys will really have to show out if anyone other than Trubisky is going to start week one against the Cincinnati Bengals.
| Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The offense has now failed four times in the last two days during the two-minute drill and not succeeded once. The Steelers cannot afford to consistently not get points at the end of the half as they did last season. Whoever is the quarterback needs to have the capability to lead his group down the field in a timely and successful manor. This is certainly something to keep an eye out for throughout the rest of training camp and the final two preseason games.
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