The Pittsburgh Steelers Week 15 QB1 announcement is expected sometime Saturday with QB Kenny Pickett listed as DOUBTFUL after sustaining a concussion last week. The Steelers QB decision is up in the air due to backup quarterback, Mitch Trubisky struggling to protect the football in crucial situations in last week's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. It was a game the Steelers should have won, but ultimately took a big divisional loss mostly due to Trubisky's three interception performance in relief of Pickett.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (10) attempts a completion in a 16-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens via Steelers.com.
QB3 for the entire season, QB Mason Rudolph has split 1st team reps with Trubisky in this past week's practice sessions. It seems everyone is unsure of who will start. If Pickett clears concussion protocol, he will start, but as it sits, he is DOUBTFUL on the most recent injury report. The situation may provide Rudolph with his first playing time of the 2022 season.
However, no matter who is at QB on Sunday as the Steelers take on the Carolina Panthers, the offensive game plan should remain the same. Run, run, run. It's no secret, the Steelers' offense has had the most success when they have been able to run the football efficiently. The Steelers second-year RB Najee Harris is confident in whoever is at QB1 to execute on Sunday afternoon.
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) breaks a tackle by Cincinnati Bengals free safety Jessie Bates (30) during the game against the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 26, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA. | Mark Alberti / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
"We're confident in whoever is in here," said Harris via Steelers.com. "The game plan is going to be the game plan. Whoever is in there, I'm confident they can execute it. If everybody just worries about what they got to do and focuses on what they got to do, the outcome of the game will be in our favor. Everybody is getting an opportunity in that room and we are confident in whoever is going to play."
Pittsburgh Steelers center, Mason Cole (#61) prepares to snap the football to quarterback, Mitch Trubisky (#10) during a preseason game at Acrisure Stadium. Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
The Steelers need a big win to keep their very slim playoff hopes alive. Center Mason Cole knows what the offense needs to do to get the job done against the Panthers:
"I think we have seen that our offense functions at a high level when we are efficient in the run game," stated Cole. "It opens up the passing game. Playing team football. Keeping our defense off the field. It's a big emphasis this week.
"It makes our life easier instead of throwing the ball 45 times a game. It's good. When we feel like we can put the game on our backs, it's a good feeling. When we are successful, it helps the team be successful."
With QB1 yet to be named, the job remains the same for the big guys up front!
"For us, the job remains the same," said Cole. "It doesn't change much for us. We have trust and confidence in whoever is back there, and we have to do our job for them to have success."
What do yinz think about Mason Cole's comments and the Steelers' offensive focus this week with the QB1 decision remaining in limbo for the time being? Will the Steelers be able to run the football against the Panthers on Sunday? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram!
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