PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin stood behind the dais at Acrisure Stadium’s fluorescently lit room and spoke for three minutes.
Out of the 436 words, the following are the most notable. Pittsburgh Steelers According to coach, there are few explanations for why he benched Mitch Trubisky For rookie pick in the first round Kenny Pickett At halftime Steelers’ 24-20 loss To the New York Jets Sunday
There were even fewer who indicated where Tomlin’s team would go after this, a 1-3 start with the NFL’s most elite teams in front.
Tomlin stated, “We just thought that we needed a spark.” “We didn’t do well in the first part, not enough offensively. We thought he might be able to spark us.
“I don’t want to talk long as we sit there. We did everything we could to position ourselves to win this game. We will do it again. However, I prefer to leave it as is in relation to what occurred here today. Next week, we’ll be addressing that.”
It is what Tomlin didn’t say that best describes the Steelers’ current predicament.
The quarterback switch, to borrow a phrase that the coach used in August 2020 is the jello they can’t get back into the box.
Kenny Pickett is back, and there’s not going back.
The No. 20 overall pick was made for the former Pitt quarterback. Pickett was the 20th overall pick. It was certain that Pickett would finally arrive after a slow start for the Steelers’ offense.
It’s not how it got there that is most remarkable.
After declaring that he didn’t plan to make any changes to his quarterback and offensive coordinator after Thursday’s Week 3 loss to The Ravens, he said that he would not be making any. Cleveland BrownsTomlin reiterated his faith in the offense during his Tuesday news conference. Tomlin is well-known for his ability to deliver messages to his team via his media sessions. Tuesday’s message was clear: Keep quiet and stick to the plan.
Tomlin said Tuesday, “The best way I can sum up my assessment of it, regardless of whether it’s collective unit or components, is that it has been better with every outing. It’s reasonable to expect these improvements to continue.” “We haven’t done enough to win these two football games so there’s cause for alarm, but I am seeing improvements in all areas.
“It is our job to listen to the noise and stay committed to the path we are on. We must also work hard to improve the game. I expect my men to stay focused and continue working. I need to be a leader and show that.
Tomlin did not necessarily endorse Trubisky but he preached patience again and the locker room players agreed to buy into the offensive plan.
The quarterback rotation remained constant in practice. Pickett declined to interview for interviews, citing the fact that he was a backup quarterback.
The Steelers, an old-school team that believed in the process before it was a NBA team’s slogan, seemed committed to Trubisky as well as to Pickett, keeping him off the sidelines as he and his offense develop.
There was no sign of a shift in the near future, but suddenly it appeared. Pickett wore his helmet to halftime on Sunday as he warmed up along the sideline. Trubisky wore a baseball cap on his head.
Pickett replied, “No, I wasn’t told that.” Pickett also confirmed that there was no indication of a sudden quarterback change. “Just Coach came into the halftime show and said that I was going. I did not do much preparation, but prepared like a starter. To get ready, I spent a lot time at the facility. …
“You don’t get many reps, but that is why I have to tune in really mentally, go over every single read that Mitch was getting practice, in game and watch the movie as if it were me playing so that I could be ready in case my chance did arise, which it did today.”
Trubisky was just as shocked as Pickett.
“It’s a hard deal,” he replied, answering tersely to questions. “It’s certainly not what it was I wanted. It wasn’t what I had hoped for. That’s part of the deal.
Pickett provided a spark for Tomlin, but it was not a constant flame. Pickett successfully executed a 1-yard sneak by the quarterback on fourth-and-1, but his next play saw Pickett’s first pass attempt get picked off as he tried to go deeper. Chase Claypool.
But after a Minkah Fitzpatrick Pickett dived into the end zone to score his first professional touchdown, and give the Steelers their first lead of the season.
The next drive will be three first-down passes, including one to the tight end. Pat Freiermuth For an 18-yard gain, with pressure inches away and his smile shining on his face — and for a 2-yard touchdown run. The KEN-NY chants at Acrisure were audible every time.
Wide receiver: “I feel like everyone was cheering him along,” George Pickens said. “We were ready to go. It’s the next man up.
Pickett’s spark was just like using leaves for a campfire. It smoked out as soon as it started to flare up.
1:00
Tristan H. Cockcroft explains why fantasy managers should focus on the Steelers’ rolling with Kenny Pickett at QB, instead of Mitch Trubisky.
The Steelers were able to keep the ball and hold onto it late in the fourth quarter, despite picking up a three point lead.
Pickett’s last-ditch response was not enough to win the fight against the Jets. The Jets took the lead and Pickett lost the battle for the lead. Lamarcus Joyner In the final zone.
Pickett stated, “I don’t like to lose.” Pickett said, “This is not an enjoyable feeling. It is not something I want to feel. I want to win the battle and get us back on the right track.
“I think” [I have] A little edge is what I like about myself. That should be reflected on everyone. It’s important that we have a positive attitude on the field. I am excited to return to work and get us back on the right track.
Pickett’s final stats (10-of-13 passing for 120 yards and 3 INTs) aren’t impressive. The offense was not flawless without him running it. There was an energy shift in the huddle, and every crevice at Acrisure Stadium that Pickett was present during the game. It was the same buzz that was absent from the beginning of the season.
Pickett under pressure threw the ball and smiled at the man who tried sack him. Pickett used his legs to grab a first down, to avoid pressure, and to throw the ball on the run. He grabbed a defender and ran to the end zone.
Pickett’s spark was a catalyst for the offense’s response. This is not something to overlook. The players loved Trubisky so much that they voted him captain. However, Pickett played alongside them and for them in a way Trubisky would not have.
Trubisky was considered a solid leader, respected and all-around good guy, when he signed free agency with Steelers
The former Chicago Bear and Buffalo Bill weren’t. They And he would never be that man.
Tomlin will not commit to a quarterback in Steelers’ Week 5 matchup in Buffalo or beyond. This is a difficult stretch that includes Tampa Bay and Miami, as well as Philadelphia. But it would be almost unprecedented for Trubisky to take over the reins. The Steelers have crossed the bridge with their 2017 first-round selection.
There is no turning back.
The jello is now out of the box.