It has been approximately 18 years since a quarterback competition has been held with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The post-Ben Roethlisberger period propositions one of the largest stories before the 2022 season. It also became more ‘intriguing’ after the NFL Draft in 2022.
Following the selection of Kenny Pickett with the number 20 overall pick, the team brought in a third quarterback to the group. The local rookie will join Mason Rudolph and Mitchell Trubisky for what is hoped to be an intense competition. Coach Mike Tomlin views this contest as a challenge regardless of his anticipation.
NFL Coach Mike Tomlin’s Thoughts
Tomlin explained that he expects it to be fierce due to his knowledge of the three competitors. He does not anticipate anyone to “take a backseat.” He stated that the challenge is from a structural point of view. He questioned if they allow each player to show what their capabilities are. The coach said that is the challenge portion of the contest. He proclaimed that he is excited to watch the players compete as he typically is when there are viable options. They will continue with the understanding that it is going to be hard from an organizational point of view. He explained that it is a good challenge.
After Roethlisberger retired, the team signed Trubisky to a $14.29 million two-year contract. He will most likely enter the summer as the favored player with his experience taken into consideration. He signed on with the expectation of competing as he wants to regain a starting occupation after working as a backup quarterback with the Bills for a season.
NFL Rookie Mason Rudolph
Rudolph is the single Steelers return of the group and might have a small advantage as he already knows the offensive coordinator Matt Canada’s system. Rudolph has recorded 10 starts in the three seasons he played. He produced 2,366 passing yards, 11 interceptions, and 16 touchdowns with a 5-4-1 record.
Tomlin said that Pickett has a chance at being the starter in week one as a beginner. The Pitt product pulled in the right to be the first quarterback taken off the board in the NFL Draft of 2022 following a senior season when he set records in schools with 42 touchdowns and 4,319 passing yards.
NFL Coach Tomlin’s Challenges
Interpreting the number of first-team reps in the three competitors while in the preseason and in training camp will be the challenge Tomlin implied, but he does not see a beginner coming into the fray as a problem for his quarterback room. It is a circumstance that gathered attention in Tennessee following Ryan Tannehill stating that it was not his job to watch Malik Willis.
Tomlin said that it is good when it happens but it is not necessary. That is why they have quarterback coaches, offensive coordinators, and assistant quarterback coaches. He stated that people have jobs and their only purpose is to develop players. There are development, learning, and growth opportunities between players, however, it is not their purpose.
Written by Marrissa Kay
Sources:
NFL: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin expects ‘fierce’ QB competition between Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, Kenny Pickett; by Michael Baca
Steelers Depot: PointsBet: Steelers QB Kenny Pickett Now Considered Favorite To Win 2022 NFL OROTY Award; by Joe Clark
Steelers Nation: Will Mason Rudolph Get a Fair Chance to Win “Fierce” QB1 Competition?; by Jonathan Clark
Featured and Top Image Courtesy of John Beagle’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inline Image Courtesy of Sodexo USA’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
