Thursday Night Football between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns was a big game for both teams, but it was perhaps even more important for Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
Trubisky has been criticized heavily by Steelers fans through the first two games of the season, with fans calling for rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett to take over as the team’s starter.
His performance has been lackluster at best to start the season, and he certainly didn’t do much to inspire much confidence in Thursday’s matchup against Cleveland.
Trubisky had a very average game, throwing for 207 yards with no turnovers while rushing for a touchdown in a 29-17 loss.
Some factors did not go his way in the game, including a number of key drops from top receiver Diontae Johnson.
Diontae Johnson has done some nice things in this game. But that drop on a perfect ball from Trubisky, and then failing to hustle to get lined up for a play before the 2-minute warning… Tough look. #Steelers @937theFan
— Josh Rowntree (@JRown32) September 23, 2022
It was far from a terrible game from Trubisky, but the majority of Steelers fans are again asking for a change to be made at quarterback heading into a Week 4 matchup against the New York Jets.
Pittsburgh still loving the Mitch Trubisky experience or…?
— Slavko Bekovic (@SBekovic) September 23, 2022
The OLine improved and yet the offense laid an egg
I’m laying all the blame on Matt Canada and Mitch Trubisky. The biggest issues
— Michael Beck (@MichaelBeck56) September 23, 2022
Mitch Trubisky is NOT The Answer. The sequel. https://t.co/LEHxEeaj2c
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) September 23, 2022
It’s time for @kennypickett10
— ace (@SupremeAce_) September 23, 2022
Just one week closer until the #Steelers go to Kenny Pickett.
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) September 23, 2022
Uh, Mike Tomlin: Time to go to Kenny Pickett. Trubisky has some talent, but zero intangibles. Pickett oozes intangibles – leadership, football charisma, spark. You should be 0-3. Pickett time.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) September 23, 2022
With a long week upcoming for the Steelers, it certainly seems like if they were going to make the move to Pickett at some point this season, now would be the time.
However, it still seems like Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is not ready to commit to that plan.
Tomlin was asked following the game what his plans were at quarterback moving forward, and he gave a pretty strong answer in defense of Trubisky.
“I’m not in that mindset. The answer is definitely no,” said Tomlin via NFL insider Ari Meirov on if he’s considering a change.
#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin said after tonight’s game that he’s not considering a quarterback change or a play-caller change.
“I’m not in that mindset. The answer is definitely no.”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 23, 2022
This certainly felt like a safe answer from Tomlin directly after the game, but pressure is certainly building when it comes to Trubisky.
It’s well known that Pickett was drafted to be the future starting quarterback for Pittsburgh, and it just seems like a matter of time until he surpasses Trubisky on the depth chart.
