Steelers quarterback has perfect response to recent controversy
If Kenny Pickett can't go for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin has two quarterbacks to choose from. Last weekend, it was Trubisky who took over the rookie but threw three interceptions – two in the red zone – that cost the Steelers the game in a two-point loss. Now, there appears […]
If Kenny Pickett can't go for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin has two quarterbacks to choose from. Last weekend, it was Trubisky who took over the rookie but threw three interceptions – two in the red zone – that cost the Steelers the game in a two-point loss.
Now, there appears to be a backup QB controversy in Pittsburgh. And oddly enough, the Steelers aren't exactly trying to downplay the situation.
"We work both guys," Tomlin told reporters earlier in the week referring to Mitch and third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph. "Both guys have remained engaged, and it's really kind of been 2 and 2A if you will. There's a scarcity of reps."
How scarce are reps, exactly? Just on Monday, Joe Burrow and Peyton Manning discussed on national TV how neither gives up a single rep in practice.
When asked about Tomlin's perspective of the Steelers having a "2 and 2A quarterback," Mason Rudolph had the perfect response.
"I feel like I've been inactive," said the veteran quarterback who was pushed down the depth chart during the preseason.
The Steelers are getting Rudolph some first-team work this week, though, which feeds the narrative that there's a slight controversy in town.
Although a decision isn't expected until the end of the week, it's a situation to monitor closely. As things stand right now, expectations should be for Trubisky to start if the rookie can't go.
Sure, he threw three picks against the Ravens but he came off the bench with an aggressive mindset. He was the starter at the beginning of the year and the guy the Steelers were betting on by giving him most of the reps early in the season.
"I thought we moved the ball fluidly continually," Tomlin replied when asked about Mitch's performance. "That’s what you’d better have when you have a veteran backup like him."
"The reps that he misses during the course of the week are made up for by his cumulative experience and expertise."
Rudolph doesn't have nearly as much "cumulative experience and expertise," and we know just how much the Steelers head coach values that. Not that we should be overly confident in Trubisky's play but I'd bet he starts the latter if they need a backup to play.
However, Tomlin confirmed that Kenny Pickett will start for Pittsburgh if he's cleared.
The Steelers will face the Carolina Panthers this weekend with playoff odds slimmer than 1%. But the rest of the season will be all about getting wins and developing younger talent, including the rookie QB who they expect to be the face of the franchise moving forward.
Featured image via Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
