The advocates for Pittsburgh Steelers rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett are getting louder and louder. Those chants flooded Acrisure Stadium in the midst of the Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots. Starter Mitch Trubisky has been uninspiring in his first two games as a Steeler, leading to major question marks on the offensive side of the ball.
Credit: Pat McAfee Show
Other than one drive in the late third quarter, the offense showed virtually no signs of life in Week 2. It remains to be seen whether the issue is at quarterback, offensive coordinator, or a little bit of both. Throwing a rookie into this disaster in just Week 3 would be quite risky. No, it won't happen this week or likely for a few weeks. But former Steelers cornerback, Rod Woodson has become the latest former player to advocate for Pickett to start. On Wednesday, Woodson had this to say on the Pat McAfee Show:
"I really think, for the long-term effect, if you put Pickett in there with these young receivers, young running backs, let them all grow together, I think that's the key for success for Mike Tomlin in the future," Woodson said on the show. "They're built to win right now on defense. I would love to see Pickett to be that guy. I've never seen too many quarterbacks play marginally okay at one place and then come to another place and play lights out. I've never seen it in the history of football, maybe Rich Gannon, but it's very rare."
Woodson is of course referring to Trubisky with this comment, as he was mediocre in his four-year tenure with the Chicago Bears. McAfee was quick to point out Ryan Tannehill of the Tennessee Titans as another example, to which Woodson scoffed at a little bit.
Credit: Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger
Throughout fans and former players, the verdict seems mostly split. Now-retired, future Hall of Fame quarterback Ben Roethlisberger defended Trubisky in the most recent episode of his new podcast, Footbahlin. Former Steelers running back Merril Hoge joined Roethlisberger and proceeded to criticize offensive coordinator Matt Canada for the team's struggles so far.
Yinz, when should the Steelers turn to Pickett? When do you think they will turn to Pickett this season? What are your expectations for the rookie once he does get some snaps under center? Share your thoughts and comments in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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