Steelers Quarterback Competition Coming Down to the Wire

The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to have a hard decision at the game's most important position. Given the strong play from rookie and hometown hero Kenny Pickett and free agent addition Mitchell Trubisky, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has been hesitant to declare a starter:

Reporter: "Mike, Do you have a starting quarterback?"

Mike Tomlin: "I might but you guys not going to have it today."

Steelers QB battle still remains unknown👀 pic.twitter.com/6FOpgwaVYP
— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) August 29, 2022

Pickett, the first-round rookie who played his college ball at Pitt, is certainly the sentimental favorite, and he has rewarded local fans with some impressive play this preseason. Having completed 29 of his 36 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns, he's demonstrated the type of steady, complimentary play the Steelers could thrive with.

Trubisky, however, has been similarly impressive: the former Chicago Bear has completed 24 of his 34 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns while generally playing with the starters. The former second overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft, Trubisky fell out of favor in Chicago, but the Steelers see him as a potential bridge to a new era in the wake of longtime starter Ben Roethlisberger's retirement.

The Steelers may be hesitant to rush Pickett into the spotlight, and many pundits seem inclined to believe Tomlin will roll with Trubisky in the early portion of the season. Even if the rookie were ready, the surrounding talent might not be: the Steelers ranked 29th last year in rushing and rushing yards per attempt, and Roethlisberger sported the lowest time to throw in the league last year according to NFL Next Gen Stats. The Steelers view Pickett as their long-term future at quarterback, but the run game and the offensive line required to help to ease his transition may simply not be there. No need to throw him to the wolves right away.