What if we are all over-analyzing this entire quarterback thing in Pittsburgh? Instead of spending every waking moment breaking down why Kenny Pickett should be playing over Mitchell Trubisky from an ability standpoint, perhaps we should look at a different quality. Sometimes making a change isn’t about arm strength or who has better footwork. Sometimes it’s about giving a lift to the other guys on the field using some good old fashioned enthusiasm. And to me, that’s exactly why Pickett should get the call before this season gets away from Mike Tomlin.
Yeah, you read that correctly. I’m advocating for a QB change for one simple reason; enthusiasm. Go back with me to the preseason. Remember when Kenny Pickett came into the game? The crowd went from curious while watching Mitchell Trubisky to downright beside themselves when Pickett trotted out there. To be fair, that was expected. He was after all a kid who played his college ball in the same stadium so the hometown fans were already on his side.
As he settled in however, he made plays both with his arm and with his feet and most importantly, there was genuine excitement from his teammates. And that’s where I find myself today. Look at the comments from Chase Claypool, Diontae Johnson and Mason Cole in recent days. There are references to a lack of identity for this offense and comments that reek of a need for enthusiasm on the field. I’m not knocking Trubisky because he is who is and he plays the game a little more seriously, almost scholarly in nature, but where is the energy? Where is the enthusiasm?
Energy and enthusiasm by themselves don’t win games – that isn’t what I’m suggesting here – but doesn’t there seem to be a lack of these things with the offense? Offenses often take on the identity of the guy running the show and that’s exactly what I’m seeing with the Steelers. The offense is listless. It’s like a cold fish handshake. The person on the other end of it is unimpressed and gains little respect.
This offense needs a jolt. It needs a B-12 shot or more specifically a shot of KP-8. There would be mistakes and turnovers but there would also be plays made. Deep shots would be taken and the middle of the field might actually be utilized. Perhaps this would also open up the running game too. I’m tired of the argument about the “schedule getting tougher.” It’s the NFL. The schedule is what it is. Tomlin can’t hide Pickett from playing good teams, he’s going to have to play them anyway so let’s get to it. Win or lose at least the offense would be more entertaining.
