Steelers' Mitch Trubisky Receives Worst QB Grade In Poor Week 14 Performance Despite Solid Showing From Offensive Line

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense has disappointed tremendously in 2023. Quarterback Kenny Pickett has not taken the step forward that many expected him to, which has left doubt on if he's the long-term answer at the most important position in football. When he went down with an injury in Week 13, many believed the offense wouldn't get much worse with Mitch Trubisky under center.

While the veteran turns the ball over more than Pickett, he's also more aggressive in trying to push the ball down the field. Well, just a week into the Trubisky experiment, and things don't look great. The Steelers lost to the New England Patriots on Sunday and the offense put up a measly 264 total yards of offense. In the process, Trubisky earned the worst grade of any quarterback across the NFL in Week 14 according to Pro Football Focus.

For the game, the seven-year veteran went 22-for-35 (62.9%) for 190 passing yards to go along with two total touchdowns and an interception. He did actually provide a threat in the running game, as he finished with eight carries for 30 rushing yards and a touchdown, which actually eclipsed Pickett's best game on the ground this season. To make matters worse on Trubisky's poor performance though, it's not like he wasn't given any time in the pocket. 

Should The Steelers Consider Starting Mason Rudolph Over Trubisky?

PFF gave the Steelers' offensive line their best performance of the season, something the offense couldn't take advantage of. Unfortunately, game script forced the team to have to throw the ball more than usual as well. They fell down big to the Patriots right away, which never allowed them to get into a rhythm on the ground. Trubisky's poor effort led to fans chanting for Mason Rudolph to be inserted into the game.

In his press conference on Monday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin dismissed any likelihood that Rudolph may start in Week 15. With Pickett out for at least another two weeks, we may be stuck with Trubisky for the remainder of the season. Via 93.7 The Fan on Tuesday, PFF's Brad Spielberger blames the scheme, not Trubisky or Pickett, for the offense's ongoing struggles.

"Blame the scheme. We've seen backup quarterbacks play this year. You can tell which teams are coaching guys up, putting guys in positions to succeed, making throws easy, and which are getting thrown in the fire."

Immediately after the team finally fired Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, the offense had its first 400-yard performance in years. Unfortunately, the unit hasn't been able to build off that performance since then. Mike Sullivan and Eddie Faulkner have helped take over Canada's responsibilities, but the offense is trending in the wrong direction once again. They will have a chance to correct their wrongs on Saturday night against the Indianapolis Colts.

For a team that had realistic playoff aspirations just two weeks ago, things have changed a lot since then. After consecutive losses to two-win squads, Tomlin and his team now sit at 7-6. If the team loses to the Colts in Week 15, it could be the final thorn to realistic hopes at a playoff appearance. Regardless of who is under center, the offense needs to figure things out quickly. Based off recent evidence, things would suggest that's not likely to happen.

How do you think Trubisky performed in his first start of the season? Do you think the team should start Rudolph or Trubisky moving forward? How do you think Sullivan and Faulkner have done since the firing of Canada was made? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites, yinz!

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