Kaboly suggests that Kenny Pickett should be given another opportunity as the Steelers’ starting quarterback, but emphasizes that the timing may not be right at the moment.
In Pittsburgh, it’s not a common occurrence for the backup quarterback to address the media at the opening of the locker room in a crucial week, particularly when playoff hopes are on the line. However, that’s precisely the situation for the 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers, a team grappling with unusual off-field narratives yet finding themselves in a must-win (or even a loss-with-help) scenario to secure a postseason berth.
As the Steelers gear up for the season finale against Baltimore, attention is diverted to the backup quarterback who has yet to meet expectations. The benched first-round quarterback, now facing reports of refusing to serve as Mason Rudolph’s backup in the previous must-win game against the Seattle Seahawks, denies these claims after discussions with coach Mike Tomlin. The quarterback, Kenny Pickett, asserts that there was no discussion about him being a backup against the Seahawks and clarifies that he would only play if deemed healthy and suitable by the trainers and coaches.
This addresses the immediate concerns, but questions linger about the future. What if Mason Rudolph continues his impressive comeback, leading the team to success? The article ponders various scenarios, including playoff appearances, stellar performances, or potential losses, and raises questions about the Steelers’ decisions moving forward, considering they had high hopes for Pickett as their future franchise quarterback.
Pickett expresses his uncertainty about the future, emphasizing the day-by-day, week-by-week nature of the situation. While upset, he acknowledges the need to accept the current circumstances, supporting Rudolph in the short term. Rudolph, a pending free agent, remains optimistic about making the playoffs and expresses enjoyment playing for the team but remains noncommittal about his future.
The article suggests that Pickett should have the opportunity to regain his starting job next year, despite the ongoing season’s outcomes. It emphasizes that blind loyalty should not cloud the judgment of who deserves to start, highlighting Pickett’s acknowledgment that Rudolph played well when given the chance.
The Steelers’ head coach, Mike Tomlin, is praised for his handling of the situation, making decisions based on current performance rather than past assurances. The article proposes a pragmatic approach, suggesting that the team should focus on short-term answers rather than making long-term decisions prematurely. It emphasizes the need for a fair competition between Pickett and Rudolph in the future, ensuring that decisions are made based on performance rather than past expectations or draft status.
In conclusion, the article encourages a straightforward and pragmatic approach to the quarterback situation, considering the short-term and long-term perspectives, while recognizing the complexities of the decision-making process.
