Steelers Takeaways: Mitch Trubisky Solidifies QB1 Status (+)

PITTSBURGH — Mitch Trubisky has probably earned it. The Steelers starting quarterback in all three preseason games and throughout training camp was solid in his outing against the Detroit Lions, and his two-minute drill likely solidified his job as the Steelers starter heading into Cincinnati.

Trubisky had three extremely impressive throws throughout the day. His first one was a 38-yard dime to Diontae Johnson down the sideline. It was put in an extremely perfect place in order for Johnson to catch it in stride. Then, there was the back shoulder strike to George Pickens. That is a communication thing between both of those players, but Trubisky put it where only Pickens could make the toe-tapping grab.

Lastly, there was the middle of the field strike to Pat Freiermuth. Trubisky’s heat map is not something that showcases himself targeting the deep middle of the field with frequency, but he showcased impressive zip on the ball and great placement. That is the thing that often sets him apart from the rest of the guys in the Steelers quarterback room. Trubisky was inconsistent in camp, but his flashes of great ball placement are incredibly exciting.

He seems calm in the pocket and is able to maneuver the Steelers down the field. Mitch Trubisky has looked solid all preseason to the point where even with a bad offensive line around him, he has been fine. There have been no panicked throws that he has made throughout the preseason. Overall, he has been more than fine.

That composure and the ability to stay steady is what makes Trubisky the likely starter. He is experienced, has looked accurate, and generally, even with a mess collapsing around him, has been able to rise above that with some solid performances. Kenny Pickett looks plenty advanced for a rookie, but this was always likely to be Trubisky’s job from the outset. His performance against Detroit simply cinched in that starting job for Trubisky.

He still does not appear to be a player who elevates those around him like a franchise quarterback type. However, that is fine when he is proving that he can win in multiple ways in different areas of the field. Trubisky has performed well enough to get the benefit of that doubt when it comes to the starting quarterback spot.

Trubisky’s ceiling might be the highest of any quarterback on the team. That is what makes him so intriguing. His lows have not shown up in an in-game, stadium environment. Yet again, across four quarters of play in the preseason, Trubisky was solid. Overall, he averaged 8.3 yards per attempt over the preseason and looked sharp. Pickett did as well. The Steelers are sitting on a good quarterback problem as it stands. Trubisky has earned it with his play throughout the preseason just as much as Pickett has earned the confidence of the Steelers should Trubisky slip up.