Steelers starting quarterback battle: Our picks for QB1 in 2022

Mitch Trubisky and Kenny Pickett each had strong performances in the preseason finale. We weigh in on who we think should start at QB for the Steelers in Week 1.

A big headline for the Steelers in their final preseason game against the Lions was the conclusion of the QB1 battle. Steelers fans and media alike seem torn on whether Kenny Pickett or Mitch Trubisky should be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Like most fans and the other media, some of our team here at Stillcurtain.com seem to be a little divided as well. So I decided to take a quick vote. Here are the results.

Our picks for who Steelers starting QB should be

Tommy Jaggi: As much as I was impressed with Kenny Pickett’s preseason performance during this rookie season, I think that Mitch Trubisky should be the starter heading into the season. The veteran has impressed in his own right and I worry about Pickett behind a struggling offensive line from the gate. If the OL can make strides early in the season,  Pickett could see the field soon enough.

Andrew Falce: I think you have to roll with Trubisky. Yes, Pickett looked good but this offensive line is a wreck. Trubisky won the job and deserves the nod.

Brandon Kring: I vote Mitchell Trubisky. Pickett has shown a lot of promise for the future but Trubisky has played well as well. You can’t start Pickett and then bring Trubisky in if Kenny struggles, but you can do the opposite if Trubisky struggles. 

Shayne Kubas: As much as I think Trubisky has done enough to earn the job, Pickett’s play in the preseason and second half of camp has made it a very close call. With it being so close, I would give the edge to the rookie to see what he can do. 

Eric C Hassel: With the Steelers 2022 preseason in the rearview mirror, the elephant in the room is who will be the starting QB in Week 1. While all three QBs played well, I think Tomlin will give the nod to Mitch Trubisky with Mason Rudolph as the backup and Kenny Pickett as the third QB.

Josh DeLuca: Trubisky. I just think he’s earned it in the preseason and if you start him and things go bad you can easily make the change to Kenny. If you start Kenny you can’t really pivot to Mitch or it looks like you gave up on your first-round pick. 

Ryan Pawloski: Trubisky is the guy to roll with right now. The offensive line still needs time and putting Kenny Pickett in there is a tough thing for a rookie to deal with. Start the season with Trubisky and see where you are after a couple of weeks. 

Casey Sadekoski: With the kind of attention Pickett has drawn, the Steelers will have to watch Trubisky to make sure #10 doesn’t slide down a slippery slope as every small mistake could add more and more pressure to start the rookie. This could impact ‘Money Mitch,’ and if it does so negatively, I truly don’t think that anything less than the best version of Mitch Trubisky should start over Kenny Pickett. Therefore, I vote Kenny Pickett. 

While there are a few outliers it seems as though the majority of our team is in favor of Mitch Trubisky starting the season as the number one quarterback. Interestingly enough, just about everyone that voted for Trubisky mentioned that Pickett can be brought in if Trubisky struggles or that Pickett should be kept on the sidelines until the offensive line show at least some improvement.

The general consensus does seem to be that Kenny Pickett should be the guy of the future, however, the majority believes that the guy right now should be Trubisky.

Who do you think the Pittsburgh Steelers should roll with as the starting quarterback to begin the year? Comment with your thoughts below on who you think the Steelers should start Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals on the road!