The Steelers have won one game and lost one game in 2022, but won few admirers for their offensive performances. With another game tonight in Cleveland and a mini-bye ahead of a Week 4 visit from the Jets, change could be coming.
And while some are jostling for the dismissal of offensive coordinator Matt Canada, that’s not going to happen — at least not in the short term. Teams do not have backup offensive coordinators. They do, however, have reserve quarterbacks.
The Steelers not only have a backup but a pending starter. A first-rounder who became popular as the starting quarterback for the local varsity team and whose name was chanted by paying customers in both the preseason and regular season.
As a league source explained to PFT, Kenny Pickett is ready to go.
The Steelers may be ready to move Trubisky to the bench. Although complaints have emerged about playcalling, receivers say they are open. Which means the games work. The process of getting the ball to them is not.
The thinking in some circles is that Trubisky is hesitant to pull the trigger while throwing the ball, and he has to start letting it rip or he might have the hook.
Coach Mike Tomlin remains behind Trubisky. Is the rest of the building? Is this the locker room? Chances are the pendulum will swing, if it hasn’t already. Tonight in Cleveland could be Trubisky’s last chance.
It would be risky to make a change tonight. Pickett didn’t get any first-team reps in the short week. But that can’t be ruled out if Trubisky struggles. And if tonight doesn’t go well for the offense, the extra three days to prepare for the Jets could be just what the Steelers need to properly prepare Pickett.
Something has to happen soon, or things could spiral out of control for the Steelers. Tonight’s game is winnable, as is the next one. After that? Bills, Bucs, Dolphins, Eagles. These teams are currently a combined 8-0.