Steelers Battle for QB2 &Week One Expectations

Image Courtesy of: Keith Srakocic Associated Press

There is no question that Kenny Pickett had the best NFL debut of any other rookie quarterback.

It wasn’t just the best debut of quarterbacks but one of the best debuts ever. Pickett was welcomed into the game last Saturday night with a standing ovation from Steelers Nation.

In return, he gave them a drive that was one to remember. In that opening drive, Pickett went 5 for 5 throwing for a touchdown and a two-point conversion. He looked like a seasoned pro already just as they had advertised him in the draft.

He finished the night going 13-15 for 95 yards, two touchdowns and one was the game-winner in the dying seconds of the game. As much to the crowd’s delight, chats of “Kenny” roared through the stadium. All the sights and sounds of a regular season game.

With Pickett shinning in his debut questions have been luring around wondering if he will see any playing time this season. Even though Kenny played well there is still a key factor to remember.

Pickett was out there with third-string players going up against other third-string starters. Players that were in the same boat as him with little to no NFL experience. So, the answer to that will be if Mitch Trubisky plays poorly and if Pickett plays well with the second and even first-string players. Now according to Brooke Pryor, Pickett was taking second string reps this week and participated in the 2-min drill with the first team.

Another key factor is that Mason Rodolph also played decently. He finished 9-15 with a nice throw and catch to wide receiver George Pickens in the back corner of the endzone. Even though his first play from scrimmage was a strip fumble that almost cost them the possession. But you can’t fully blame that on him as it was mainly the left tackle who got beat on the play.

While all three quarterbacks played well last Saturday what does this entitle for week one? Trubisky will be the starter. Even though most of Steeler Nation wants Pickett in there, he is simply not ready. Trubisky is the most experienced out of any of the three (technically four) quarterbacks. Not to mention he’s been to the playoffs twice in Chicago. It could be a red flag on Trubisky if Pickett were to be put in week one against the defending AFC Champions. So, the quarterback battle between Pickett and Rodolph will be for the backup position.  

All in all, this whole season is going to depend on Trubisky. Whether he plays well or not could be his fate this season and next. Now with that being said this Steelers team most likely will not make the playoffs given how competitive the AFC is. But never doubt Mike Tomlin. Because as he always says “The Standard is the Standard.”