The quarterback situation for the Pittsburgh Steelers has controlled media outlets' headlines for most of the off-season, training camp, and into the now third preseason game for the franchise in the 2022 season. The Steelers have a tough decision on their hands to name the guy who starts under center when the team travels to take on the Cincinnati Bengals on NFL Kickoff Weekend in just three weeks. We all heard the reports and read the articles stating that the QB1 job was Mitch Trubisky's to lose since the Steelers signed the former first round pick of the Chicago Bears. Well, Trubisky hasn't really lost the job, yet, but rookie sensation, Kenny Pickett is right on his heels.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) during a preseason game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks, Saturday, Aug.13, 2022 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Jared Wickerham/Pittsburgh Steelers)
The plan the entire time for the Steelers was to start this QB battle based on NFL experience on each QB's resume, which is why Pickett started as the QB3. The rookie faced an uphill climb as he transitioned from college football to the much faster game that is the NFL. He's steadily progressed and played extremely well in the Steelers' first two preseason games against the Seattle Seahawks and the Jacksonville Jaguars. He completed 19 of 22 passes for 171 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Has the rookie performed well enough to provide head coach, Mike Tomlin, with enough evidence to name him the Week 1 starter? One NFL analyst thinks so and I have to agree with him! However, the long-awaited decision seems to be riding on the Steelers final preseason game on Sunday against the Detroit Lions.
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In a recent article via NFL.com, NFL analyst Bucky Brooks detailed why he thinks it should be Pickett over Trubisky in the 2022 season opener in Cincinnati:
"Look, I understand why this team might like to ease Pickett into the lineup. Pittsburgh's schedule opens up with a pretty imposing three-week slate: at Cincinnati, vs. New England, at Cleveland on Thursday Night Football," Brooks stated. "Not to mention, the Steelers offensive line has not acquitted itself well in the preseason, looking like a serious bugaboo for whoever lines up under center.""That said, this is one of the proudest organizations in the league, fronted by a 16th-year head coach who's yet to post a losing season," Brooks continued. "Pittsburgh isn't a team that eases itself into the regular season and/or opts to take the multi-year long view."
"The Steelers view themselves as contenders each and every fall. And in a hyper-competitive division that features the defending AFC Champion Bengals, a Ravens team that's poised to bounce back in a major way with any kind of injury luck and a talented Browns roster, there's no time to waste handling the No. 20 overall pick with kid gloves. And with how the past month has played out, I just can't see Tomlin starting Trubisky over Pickett without drawing quizzical looks from his veterans in the locker room."
USA Today
"As the Jaguars preseason TV color commentator, I got an up-close look at Pickett in last Saturday's Pittsburgh-Jacksonville game down in Duval," Brooks stated in the article. "And let me tell you: I came away quite impressed. Going against the Jags' 'varsity' defense, Pickett completed six of his seven passes for 76 yards with a touchdown in just eight offensive snaps.""The rookie superbly managed the Steelers no-huddle offense in a two-minute drill that showcased his poise, quick trigger and anticipation as a passer. After the game, Tomlin was asked about the rookie's dazzling work in engineering that drive at the end of the first half, when he marched Pittsburgh 63 yards to pay dirt in just :42 seconds. The coach's assessment spoke volumes."
"You know, that's probably who he is," Tomlin stated in the immediate aftermath of the performance. "I know he did it next door [at the University of Pittsburgh]. He probably did it in high school. He probably did it in little league. Some things, people are born with."
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Pickett has shown utter confidence and the "It" factor that teams look for in their franchise QB. He most definitely looks the part and the likelihood of him starting has grown stronger with every rep taken, in practice and in heavily-weighted preseason games.
"Long story short: Tomlin has more than enough evidence that the rookie's ready to drive this ship," Brooks began to conclude the article.
If Pickett outplays Trubisky in Sunday's last preseason action, he very well could solidify the Steelers QB1 spot for the 2022 season. And the Pickett era will officially begin!
What do yinz think about Pickett providing enough evidence to be named the Steelers Week 1 starter? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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