Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin claims that he did not hear fans at Acrisure Stadium chanting for rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett.
The Pittsburgh Steelers fell back down to Earth in Week 2. After upsetting the Cincinnati Bengals in overtime in their season opener, the Steelers held their first home game of the season against the New England Patriots. Pittsburgh lost 17-14 after some uninspiring play by the offense, led by quarterback Mitch Trubisky. In fact, fans at Acrisure Stadium were so fed up, that they were chanting for rookie signal caller Kenny Pickett.
While meeting with the media a day after the loss, Tomlin said that he did not hear the fans call for Pickett.
Mike Tomlin says he did not hear Steelers fans calling for Kenny Pickett in Week 2
Trubisky did comment on if he heard the chants, saying that “it is what it is” and that “you just block it out.”
In the start against a New England offense led by Matt Patricia, the Steelers were actually outscored by them. Trubisky managed to complete 21-of-33 pass attempts for 168 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. When looking at his throw chart, Trubisky only attempted four passes longer than 20 yards. 20 pass attempts were less than 10 yards.
But, there is also frustration towards offensive coordinator Matt Canada. It is not only fans, but also players. Wide receivers Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool, in addition to Trubisky, all questioned the offensive play-calling.
If Trubisky continues to struggle for the Steelers, the calls for Pickett will only grow louder. They selected him with the 20th-overall pick in the NFL Draft for a reason, to be their quarterback of the future.
Considering the Steelers are on a short week facing the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football, a quarterback switch is likely not coming in Week 3. After that, it could be fair game for Pickett to get his first career start. But, let’s wait and see if Trubisky can do something against a Browns defense that surrendered 307 passing yards and four passing touchdowns to New York Jets quarterback Joe Flacco in Week 2.
