The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a crucial loss to the New England Patriots at home on Sunday. While there wasn't one particular party at fault, quarterback Mitch Trubisky has received some criticism for his performance. Through two games, whether it be his fault or offensive coordinator Matt Canada's, the offense has refused to throw the ball down the field.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) warms up before a preseason matchup against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022. | Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
In his press conference on Monday, head coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged just what went wrong in the crucial Week 2 loss. Specifically, he commented on what he felt the team could have done better, on both sides of the ball. Tomlin had this to say on wanting to take advantage of the matchups more often:
"I thought we had some one-on-one opportunities that we didn't take advantage of, on both sides of the ball. I thought we had quarterback pressure opportunities to create negativity, we didn't get those things finished," Tomlin said in his press conference on Monday. "I thought we had one-on-one playmaking opportunities, particular in open space with some of our receivers versus [their] defensive backs. We didn't get that done. We acknowledge that, we accept responsibility for that. We roll up our sleeves up and get back to work."
Tomlin didn't specifically mention Trubisky in those comments, but it's quite clear what he meant. After the game on Sunday, several offensive players hinted that they weren't necessarily in favor of the playcalling. Canada, along with Trubisky, were the main two targets when it came to criticism after the game.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Tomin seemingly leaned toward placing the blame on Trubisky here, as the veteran quarterback failed to go through his progressions on several occasions. Rookie wide receiver George Pickens has just two catches in his first two career games, and it hasn't been due to his lack of separation. When asked if Trubisky can be more aggressive, Tomlin responded with this:
"I think he could, and we could," the head coach said in Monday's press conference.
Only two games into the tenure of Trubisky, and many fans have already began calling for rookie Kenny Pickett. Those chants began at Acrisure Stadium in the midst of the offense's struggles on Sunday. If Trubisky continues his struggles into this Thursday against the Cleveland Browns, those chants will only get louder at the next home game. In fact, fans were calling for Pickett in the Week 1 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Diontae Johnson and the other offensive playmakers haven't gotten to display their talents much through two weeks. Trubisky has seemingly been stuck on one guy when dropping back to pass, failing to look in the direction of guys like Pickens. The offense has yet to show any resemblance of an improvement in 2022, so a change may be needed down the road.
What are your thoughts after that Week 2 performance? Who is more to blame for the offensive struggles: Trubisky or Canada? How long until Pickett gets a chance to start for the black and gold? Yinz, share your opinions and thoughts with our social media sites, as well as in the comment section below!
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