Steelers' Mike Tomlin Gives Honest Opinion On How Kenny Pickett Handled Being Benched For Mason Rudolph

The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in the offseason after a rollercoaster ride of a 2023 NFL season. The journey was filled with twists and turns, including changes at the quarterback position, dramatic moments, and a postseason berth that looked far out of reach in the middle of December. While that postseason experience was short lived, it marked some excitement for fans who didn't expect to make it.

The season started with a series of unusual victories that left fans scratching their heads. The Steelers managed to secure wins, but the process was far from conventional. Somehow they kept getting outgained in yards, but found themselves with a higher score than their opponents. It became evident that the offense was struggling, and improvements were urgently needed.

One significant change during the season was the firing of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. His tenure with the Steelers witnessed an offense that languished at the bottom of various statistical categories. The decision to part ways with Canada signaled the team's determination to find a better offensive strategy.

Steelers Quarterback Debate Heats Up

As the Steelers searched for answers following the injury to Kenny Pickett and the struggles of Mitch Trubisky, they turned to Mason Rudolph. The forgotten quarterback provided a much-needed spark to the offense. His performances injected excitement into a unit that had been stagnant for too long. Rudolph's contributions changed the trajectory of the season.

The emergence of Rudolph reignited the debate about who should be the Steelers' starting quarterback. Pickett, who had shown some promise earlier in his career, faced competition from Rudolph, who was performing at a high level. The decision became increasingly complex.

The debates from Steelers fans grew about if Pickett should earn his job back now that he was healthy to play or if Pittsburgh should ride the hot hand of Rudolph.

During a end of the season press conference on Thursday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin provided insight into Pickett's mindset and professionalism. Despite the disappointment of being benched, Pickett handled the situation with grace and professionalism. 

“It certainly was difficult. I was really impressed with the way he handled it. He was really professional and supportive of Mason. He was a great teammate. He’s a competitor. He runs to it, not away from it.”

Tomlin praised Pickett for his unwavering support of Rudolph and his consistently positive demeanor. Additionally, he provided further context regarding Pickett's eagerness to compete in challenging, high-stakes matchups.

“Certainly, I know he wanted that experience. Those big divisional games down the stretch and things of that nature. He’s wired in that way.”

Pickett's mindset and determination to contribute were evident throughout the season. As the offseason unfolds, the Steelers face critical decisions regarding their quarterback situation. Both Pickett and Rudolph have showcased their abilities, and the team must determine the best course of action. Rudolph is set to become a free agent, while Pickett remains under contract. 

Pickett's status as a first-round pick adds an extra layer of complexity to the decision-making process, as the Steelers are cautious not to prematurely write off his potential in the league. They aim to thoroughly evaluate his capabilities before making any definitive decisions.

Tomlin's statements during the press conference suggest that he may not be looking to the NFL Draft for a quarterback. Instead, he appears to have confidence in the quarterbacks currently on the roster, signaling that the team's future signal-caller might already be in-house.

While Pickett's statistics may not always stand out, he has displayed an ability to perform in crucial moments. His confidence and belief in his ability to win games in high-pressure situations have resonated with Steelers fans. Notably in 2023, his touchdown pass to George Pickens that led to a victory against the Baltimore Ravens, one of the league's top teams.

As the Steelers and their fans eagerly await the decision on the starting quarterback for the 2024 season, the drama and uncertainty of the previous season have set the stage for an offseason filled with anticipation and excitement. Steeler Nation will remain on edge until the final decision is made, setting the course for the team's future.

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