Steelers: Mike Tomlin's controversial call should be praised
Mike Tomlin confirmed on Tuesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback gig still belongs to rookie Kenny Pickett. The head coach revealed that if Pickett is cleared to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, he will start. It would be Pickett's first primetime game as the Steelers will face the Dolphins – who have […]
Mike Tomlin confirmed on Tuesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback gig still belongs to rookie Kenny Pickett. The head coach revealed that if Pickett is cleared to play on Sunday against the Miami Dolphins, he will start.
It would be Pickett's first primetime game as the Steelers will face the Dolphins – who have quarterback questions of their own – on Sunday Night Football.
The decision to start Pickett if healthy will cause a lot of controversy around the Steelers' fanbase. After all, Trubisky outperformed the rookie on Sunday. The veteran (and original starter) completed 9-of-12 passes for a total of 144 yards and one touchdown and sparked enough offense to upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
So why should Pickett remain QB1 for the Steelers?
The reason has to do with decisions already made by Pittsburgh in the past. The moment Tomlin sent the rookie to battle in the middle of a game without any first-team practice beforehand, he made a decision that was going to be tough to walk back on.
After all, if you play a rookie to bench a team captain, you better understand the risks that come with it. Sure, Pickett's offense wasn't as smooth before the quarterback was ruled out of the game. But those growing pains are part of the equation, especially against a top-ranked defense like Tampa Bay's.
Walking back on those decisions is not healthy for a quarterback's development. At this stage, getting Pickett reps as a rookie is invaluable. Even more so when you're aware he's not a finished product, something Pittsburgh clearly believes as they treated him as the third-string quarterback all off-season long.
Trubisky deserved the job as long as he proved he could move the offense and give Pittsburgh a chance in 2022. He clearly didn't with one of the worst-ranked offenses and a 1-4 record before Week 6.
While the AFC North standings are surprisingly close right now, the Steelers knew they were investing in the future rather than the 2022 season. At some point, even wide receiver Diontae Johnson said this was a rebuilding year for the team.
So as Tomlin announces the rookie will remain the starter, don't narrow it down to their performance last Sunday. There are ways Pickett makes the Steelers better and should remain the starter when healthy.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
