Mike Tomlin letting Steelers QB battle rage on until the 11th hour

The quarterback battle for the Pittsburgh Steelers has drawn eyes all offseason, but don’t expect it to be over just yet between Trubisky and Pickett. 

While we’ve seen a team or two around the NFL name their starting quarterback after the second game of the preseason, Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are not among them.

It’s been a heavily contested quarterback race in the Steel City this offseason, starting with veterans Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph competing with rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett. More recently, though, Trubisky and Pickett have separated themselves from the group in the competition.

But between those two, Tomlin is going to get every piece of evidence possible to make a decision.

The Steelers head coach said on Monday that practice this week and the final preseason game would go a long way in determining starters at certain positions, including left guard. When asked if it also included the quarterback spot, he answered in the affirmative.

Steelers: Mike Tomlin waiting until end of camp, preseason to name QB

Since the moment Pickett was drafted, plenty of fans in Pittsburgh have been ready to hand the keys to the Pitt product. And his play in the preseason has led some to further that opinion as he’s put up great numbers.

At the same time, though, while Trubisky isn’t perfect, he’s still produced solidly when on the field in the preseason and has the experience and mobility that could make this offense effective if not unspectacular, but also allow the team to win games with their elite defense.

It’ll be interesting to see the choice that’s made after the final week of the offseason but we’re heading towards what should be a fascinating season with the Steelers.

If it’s Trubisky that wins the job, there will be calls for Pickett the moment he struggles. If it’s Pickett who’s named QB1, he’ll be labeled a bust if he struggles. That’s not a great spot to be in if you’re Tomlin but, if anyone is equipped to make that call, it’s him.