Steelers QB report card: Mitch Trubisky shines after Kenny Pickett injury

The Steelers lost starter Kenny Pickett to a concussion, but Mitch Trubisky saved the game off the bench. Here is how both QBs performed Sunday.

The Steelers pulled off a huge upset Sunday, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-18. The story of the game was the injury-riddled defense standing tall against Tom Brady, but the Steelers also had to deal with an injury at QB.

Kenny Pickett was knocked out of the game after being hit by Devin White. He would later be diagnosed with a concussion, and Mitch Trubisky was thrust back into the starting role. Here is how both QBs performed in the massive victory.

Steelers Kenny Pickett mediocre before an injury

The Steelers first drive of the game was a great showcase of what Kenny Pickett does well. He made quick decisions and moved the ball down the field on an 11-play, 66-yard drive for a touchdown. After that drive, however, Pickett struggled to finish drives and had to settle for two field goals. In the middle of the 3rd quarter, Pickett hit his head hard after a hit from Devin White causing him to leave with a concussion.

He finished 11 of 18 for 67 yards and a TD, averaging an abysmal 3.7 yards per attempt, according to ESPN stats. The game plan once again didn’t help him, but he didn’t do anything to elevate the offense. I hope to see a more aggressive offense once he is healthy.

Grade: C-

Steelers Mitch Trubisky gives offense a spark off bench

When Mitch Trubsiky came in for the injured Kenny Pickett, the last thing I expected was for the offense to get better. His first full drive went nowhere, but his second drive included a 14-yard strike to George Pickens on 3rd and 13 and a 45-yard catch and run on a blown coverage by the Bucs. He finished the drive with a quick strike to Chase Claypool for a six-yard TD.

The Buccaneers then brought the game within two at 20-18, and Trubisky needed a sustained drive to put the game away. After a near turnover on a botched snap, Trubisky hit Claypool for a 17-yard gain on 3rd and 15. He faced yet another 3rd and long three plays later, but once again found Claypool on the sideline for 21 yards.

Trubisky would finish the game by sneaking for a first down two plays later, sealing the Steelers victory. He finished 9 of 12 for 144 yards and a score, his best performance as a Steeler by far. As good as Trubisky played in this game, make no mistake: Kenny Pickett has to be the starter when healthy.

However, this version of Trubisky is what I had hoped we would see coming into the season. He was decisive, accurate, and created plays out of structure, especially on the last 3rd down conversion to Claypool. Maybe he is just better when not expected to start. Even if he has suddenly turned a corner, he isn’t going to be the long-term answer at QB. Hopefully, Pickett can return soon, but at least Trubisky showed he hasn’t lost his confidence.

Grade: B+