NFL
By: Melo Williams
As most expected if not everyone, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has named QB Mitchell Trubisky the starter in the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night. Trubisky entered training camp as the top quarterback on the depth chart. While there has been some good play in training camp by all three quarterbacks competing to be the Steelers’ starting quarterback week one, Trubisky remains the top quarterback on the depth chart through two weeks ahead of rookie Kenny Pickett and veteran Mason Rudolph.
There have been mixed emotions around Steelers Nation fan base about Mitch Trubisky since Pittsburgh signed him. It’s really a close competition between those that liked the signing and those that didn’t. Even as of today, the meter hasn’t changed much in any direction with Steelers fans, but with Pittsburgh players and coaches, Mitch has been earning his praises and respect. Yes, it’s training camp and the first preseason game for the Steelers is one day away, but from an evaluation perspective, Mitch has had some turbulence early but has improved a lot since the opening of training camp.
I believe the Pittsburgh Steelers have been dealt a good hand with their quarterback situation as a blessing in disguise by the football God’s. For the last five plus years, Pittsburgh management and ownership have been trying to find Ben Roethlisberger replacement and the perfect exit strategy. The time came and Pittsburgh found themselves in a positive unique situation and I’m certain Coach Tomlin and management are very aware of that.
See most Bears fans and Trubisky critics will say “have fun with him”, “ha, lets see you win with Mitch”, or the most famous line “Mitch is ok until he gets to Trubiskying”. You actually have to consider the phrase “Trubiskying” very catchy and funny as a sports metaphor for quarterbacks. Trubisky greatest fame to date is the quarterback drafted above Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes second overall in the 2017 NFL Draft and he’ll forever be remembered as that.
Ok Steel City, here’s what Mitch Trubisky critics won’t tell you about him and why Steelers Nation should be embracing of Trubisky as the starter for now, but a solid backup. First, Mitch is a winner. As a starter in Chicago, Trubisky had a 29-21 record. After an expected slow starting rookie season, Trubisky had a solid sophomore season. His statistics were decent and arguably, more importantly, Chicago won 11 of the 14 games he started and he earned Pro Bowl honors. Mitch recorded over 3,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions with a 95 qbr. The next two seasons Mitch showed regression, but there’s a lot of blame and finger pointing to go around for most of that with Trubisky earning his fair share of the blame as well, but most will tell you that former Bears head coach Matt Nagy deserves most of the blame with his lack of leadership as a coach and his horrible play calling. Things had gotten so bad in the Bears locker room, players were calling out Nagy and questioned if he cared about winning. Eventually, Trubisky was benched for Nick Foles before being released by the Bears, and signing with the Bills last season.
Year Team CMP% YDS TD INT Rating
2021 Bills 75.0 43 0 1 47.4
2020 Bears 67.0 2,055 16 8 93.5
2019 Bears 63.2 3,138 17 10 83.0
2018 Bears 66.6 3,223 24 12 95.4
2017 Bears 59.4 2,193 7 7 77.5
Career 64.1 10,652 64 38 87.0
Since joining the Steelers Mitch has been treated like the starting quarterback by Mike Tomlin and offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Trubisky spoke with CBS’ Jonathan Jones and Bryant McFadden and was asked about playing for Mike Tomlin. Trubisky said “Ever since I came here, I came here for the opportunity to start and lead a team. “I’ve definitely been given that. And I’m just trying to take advantage of that every day. I think playing for Coach Tomlin, gives you confidence.”
Confidence! That’s the most important thing for all players especially rookies and players that need coaching, teaching, and player development. You have some coaches who don’t know how to develop players without killing their confidence, then you have coaches like Mike Tomlin who is a master of developing players while building their confidence and getting the most out of his players. Mitch Trubisky said it himself that playing for Tomlin gives you confidence.
“He’s taught me so much and I think he really gives everybody on the team confidence the way he prepares the way he knows the game. “So it’s been a lot of fun and it means a lot to me and I’m just looking forward to it.”
Steelers fans it’s no secret that first-round selection QB Kenny Pickett is looking good so far in training camp and that he’s the hopeful future replacement of Big Ben, but be patient and give Mitchell Trubisky a fair chance to earn your respect. He has the skill set and potential to be the perfect game manager going forward while Kenny Pickett continues his development. The question for Trubisky is, how much value can he and will he provide to his new offense and team with his play and leadership?
I think Mitch Trubisky is great for the starting job this year and maybe beyond. Let Kenny be his backup and time to develop. Give the other quarterback they drafted this year develop behind Kenny. We don’t need Rudolph.