By Jordan Long
The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the New York Jets this Sunday. Pittsburgh looks to improve on their 1-2 record. The Steelers are staying with Mitch Trubisky as their starting quarterback.
Trubisky hasn’t been all that impressive for the Steelers in their first 3 games. He has completed 62 of 103 passes for a completion percentage of 60.2%. Trubisky has passed for 569 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception. The fact he isn’t turning the ball over is a good sign. He is reading the defenses and not forcing the ball into coverage. The downside is that a lot of his passes haven’t been on target.
It hasn’t been all Trubisky’s fault. The offensive line isn’t giving him time to throw the football. He has been pressured which forced him to hold onto the ball or throw the football sooner than he wants to which leads to incompletions. Even with all the defensive pressure, Trubisky has only been sacked 5 times.
The Steelers know they haven’t gotten out to a fast start on offense. They aren’t going to switch quarterbacks at this time. According to steelerswire.usatoday.com, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said, “The answer to that question is definitively no. Certainly, we’re going to do what’s required to handle this week’s business, which is to win. I’m open to whatever that entails, but at the same time, we’re not going to blow in the wind.”
This is the right move for now. Trubisky is a veteran quarterback who is in his first year in Pittsburgh. He is still learning Tomlin’s offense. They are 1-2. Switching quarterbacks so early in the year could be a panic move. They must keep moving forward with Trubisky under center. Of course, if he starts to turn the ball over then make a switch.
The Steelers’ other quarterbacks on the roster are rookie Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph. Pickett is still learning the NFL game. It would be best for him to watch and understand the NFL game from the sidelines rather than forcing him into games.
Rudolph would be the better option if they decide to bench Trubisky at any point this season. Rudolph knows Tomlin’s system better than Pickett. He has been with the Steelers since they selected him in the 3rd round of the 2018 NFL Draft. In that time Rudolph started 10 games. His record is 5-4-1 passing for 2,366 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. At least he knows how to play the NFL game.
The Steelers are still moving forward with Trubisky at this point. They are anticipating he improves his game. If he still struggles, make a move in the next 3 or 4 weeks. Right now is not the time to make a switch. It is still early in the season. The Steelers aren’t out of the playoff race to win the AFC North Division or even earn a Wild Card spot.
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