Mitch Trubisky’s performance finally makes Steelers fans appreciate Kenny Pickett

Mitch Trubisky filling in for Kenny Pickett made things crystal clear for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even if Kenny Pickett is not a world-beater as a rookie quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, he is still way better than Mitch Trubisky.

In a game the Steelers had to have to realistically stay alive in the AFC playoff picture, they succumbed to defeat at home vs. the arch-rival Baltimore Ravens, 16-14. Pickett had to be removed from the game due to being in concussion protocol. With Trubisky running the offense, he turned ball over three times at home vs. the Ravens, who did not have Lamar Jackson available.

Pittsburgh is light years away from getting to the Super Bowl, but Pickett is better than Trubisky.

Mitch Trubisky proved to us Pittsburgh Steelers are better with Kenny Pickett

Look. At 5-8 through 13 games, things are pretty bleak for this proud AFC North franchise. One can only hope that Pickett pops in year two, but he was the first quarterback taken in the 2022 NFL Draft for a reason. He was the most pro-ready signal-caller entering the weakest quarterback draft class since the Buffalo Bills took a chance on former Florida State star E.J. Manuel in 2013.

Can the Steelers contend for a playoff berth next season with Pickett as the starting quarterback? Sure, but Pittsburgh will once again have the fourth-best quarterback in its own division. Baltimore has Jackson, Cincinnati has Joe Burrow and Cleveland has Deshaun Watson. Though Jackson could technically be on his way out, Baltimore is not foolish enough to let its NFL MVP just walk away.

In truth, for Pittsburgh to consistently contend in the deep AFC North for the rest of the decade, they need to lean on their culture of defense and running the football, hoping Pickett becomes his best self. He is not going to be Ben Roethlisberger or Terry Bradshaw, but if he can play on par like peak Tommy Maddox or Kordell Stewart, then the Steelers will have a chance to be in every game.

Unfortunately, we have not seen anything to lead us to believe the Steelers have the right coaching staff around him to elevate his play. Do they want to give his former Pitt offensive coordinator Mark Whipple a job and play some dang Whippleball? Whatever the Steelers decide to do, they are not going to win multiple playoff games with Matt Canada calling the offensive plays.

Frankly, there is still a chance Pickett takes his game up a level. Once he gets accustomed to the speed of the NFL, we might see him flourish akin to what he did in his final season at Pitt. The only problem is he needs to have the right offensive staff around him to get the most out of his inane abilities. Pittsburgh may be elite at drafting wide receivers, but calling plays has been a challenge.

Ultimately, no matter what comes in the next few weeks and this offseason, Pittsburgh has no choice but to give Pickett every possible chance to succeed in year two. Since he is a hometown hero, the Steelers will give him a third year as well. However, Sunday was a rude awakening for what life looks like when a former franchise quarterback does not pan out playing in the North.

Pittsburgh may not have won this game anyway with a healthy Pickett, but we will never know.