As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for their Wild Card playoff clash with the Buffalo Bills, one prominent figure in the sports world, Stephen A. Smith, made his sentiments about the team's quarterback situation crystal clear. Smith, known for his passionate sports commentary, joined The Pat McAfee Show on Monday and didn't hold back when discussing the Steelers' playoff prospects.

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Mega sports star Stephen A. Smith talking about the Steelers' 2023 playoff chances on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN Monday afternoon.
Steelers Don't Have A Quarterback
Smith, a massive Steelers fan, was asked to share his thoughts on the team's chances in the postseason.
"They have a chance, but they're not going far. It's fool's gold because you still don't have a quarterback. Kenny Pickett isn't the answer, Mason Rudolph isn't the answer. Don't get me started on that damn Mitchell Trubisky—he shouldn't even be on a roster... They definitely need a damn quarterback, period!"
Smith's frustration reached its peak when discussing Mitchell Trubisky, who has struggled winning games in his time with the Steelers. He firmly believes that Trubisky doesn't belong on an NFL roster, let alone as a potential starting quarterback. His disdain for Trubisky was palpable as he emphasized the Steelers' dire need for a true franchise quarterback.

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Pittsburgh Steelers' Mitch Trubisky.
Smith expressed his concern that the Steelers find themselves in a state of mediocrity.
"Every executive I've ever known, including some of the great ones like the great Jerry West and others, have always said this to me: The middle of the road is the worst place you can be. You either on top, or you want to be at the bottom where it is clear a reclamation project needs to be in tow."
According to Smith, the Steelers are neither at the pinnacle of success, nor clearly in a rebuilding phase. This, he believes, hinders their ability to compete for Super Bowl glory.
Despite Smith's scathing critique of the current quarterback lineup, the Steelers remain committed to their belief in Kenny Pickett. The quarterback's future as the franchise player has been a very popular topic of debate, particularly since he suffered his injury.
Evaluating Pickett's potential as the leader of the Steelers' offense has indeed been a challenging task. His untimely injury disrupted his opportunity to establish himself firmly in the starting role post the firing of Matt Canada, adding an additional layer of complexity to assessing his capabilities.
Steeler Nation and Pickett are left wondering what might have been had he not been sidelined. Despite the obstacles he's faced, Pickett's resilience and determination may still come into play in the future, offering a glimmer of hope for those who believe in his potential to be the franchise quarterback Pittsburgh is searching for. It seems as if the fan base is not certain about Pickett and some believe the Steelers need to find a new quarterback for next season.
During his absence, Mason Rudolph has taken the reins, and the offense has displayed renewed vigor and determination. Steeler Nation is hopeful that Rudolph's impressive performance can continue in the playoffs. The ground game, led by star running back Najee Harris, has provided Rudolph with a sense of comfort, knowing he doesn't need to carry the entire offensive burden. Instead, he must capitalize on crucial plays when needed.

Lindsey Wasson / AP
Steelers' Mason Rudolph (2) and Najee Harris (22) celebrate 30-23 victory in Seattle.
Looking ahead to the matchup with the Bills, the Steelers are likely to rely heavily on their running game. With Harris and Jaylen Warren in the backfield, Pittsburgh aims to dominate the line of scrimmage, control time of possession, and dictate the pace of the game.
This strategic approach is seen as pivotal in their quest for postseason success. While Smith's passionate critique raises concerns about the Steelers' quarterback situation, the team and its fans remain hopeful that the playoffs will bring new opportunities for success and a chance to prove the doubters wrong.
Although Smith lacks confidence in the Steelers having their franchise quarterback on the current roster, Rudolph has an opportunity to personally challenge that belief. His performance in the playoffs could sway opinions and make the decision regarding his future with the Steelers a bit easier.
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