Mitch Trubisky flourishes as Steelers cruise past the Panthers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were looking to redeem themselves in Week 15, and they delivered a strong performance against the Carolina Panthers. 

This wasn’t exactly the most anticipated football games of the 2022 season. As we entered the final four-game stretch of the year, the Pittsburgh Steelers were already essentially eliminated from the playoffs. Still, there was a flurry of terrible towels in Charlotte on Sunday as fans still show up in support of their team.

From the moment the Steelers kicked off against the Carolina Panthers, things seemed like they were going to go Pittburgh’s way. After forcing a three-and-out to open the game, Mitch Trubisky led the offense down the field for a 12-play, 76-yard drive that took 7:06 off the clock and resulted in a touchdown.

Though the Panthers returned the favor on the following drive, it was mostly uphill from there for Tomlin’s team. The Steelers held control of this game as they dominated Carolina in total yards, rushing yards, and time of possession, per ESPN stats.

Ultimately, the final score really wasn’t a good indication of how the game played out. Even though the Steelers won a 24-16 game, they never trailed in this contest and there wasn’t a point that seemed like they were going to cave.

Mitch Trubisky thrives in Steelers win

Because of the concussion of Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh’s backup quarterback situation became a trending topic. Last week against the Baltimore Ravens, Mitch Trubisky threw 3 interceptions that not only lost Pittsburgh the game but ultimately sealed their fate in the 2022 season — pulverizing their playoff hopes.

As a result, many fans wanted Mike Tomlin to turn to Mason Rudolph this week, and Tomlin did leave the door open for that the happen, but he eventually gave the nod to Trubisky. After a game riddled with poor decision-making in Week 14, Trubisky redeemed himself with a strong game against the Carolina Panthers.

In the first half, Trubisky was remarkably efficient — passing for roughly 10 yards per attempt with a passer rating over 100. He was sharp, decisive, and accurate this week. The veteran’s highlight play was a beautiful 38-yard deep ball to George Pickens down the sideline.

Over the final two quarters, Trubisky made enough plays to keep the chains moving and put this game on ice. While his box score numbers were nothing to write home about, Trubisky did more than enough to help his team cruise to victory. Trubisky finished 17 of 22 for 179 yards for 8.4 yards per attempt and a 100.4 passer rating, per ESPN.

Tomlin proved that his decision to roll with Trubisky was correct. Though it’s too little too late for Pittsburgh in the 2022 season, this team will try to gain some confidence down the stretch heading into the 2023 offseason.

There wasn’t a lot for fans to get excited about in a battle between two losing-record teams, but the Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious. How they finish in the final three games will determine where they end up picking in the 2023 NFL Draft next April.