Pittsburgh Steelers interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner sent a message about quarterback Mitch Trubisky.
In the NFL, results are always a deciding factor. But effective backup quarterbacks frequently just provide their teams with an opportunity to win.
Sadly, the Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t had much of a chance to win with backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky at the quarterback position this season.
In 2023, Trubisky has participated in four games, all of which have resulted in defeat for the Steelers. Trubisky participated in three of those games for at least half.
Trubisky gave the Steelers a chance to win in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter during his first start of 2023. However, that came after the club trailed the New England Patriots, who were 2-10 at the time, by 18 points. Trubisky had one intercepted and almost had a few more.
Nonetheless, the Steelers coaching staff isn’t giving up on Trubisky. In fact, during a media conference on December 13, interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner appeared to take a stronger stance against Trubisky.
When Trubisky is performing at his peak, Faulkner said, “He’s out there just slinging that thing, having fun, and playing ball,” per Matthew Marczi of Steelers Depot. “I believe that to be Mitch’s nature. He is a player who will drive the ball down the field and seize chances. Hopefully, we can expand on that and learn more about his personality.
On December 16, Trubisky will start for the second time in a row against the Indianapolis Colts.
Mitch Trubisky of the Steelers is aiming for his first win in 2023.
Trubisky was Pittsburgh’s starting center fielder at the start of the 2022 campaign. Before Kenny Pickett hired him, he had a 1-3 record.
However, Trubisky saved the 2022 campaign with a superb Week 6 comeback victory over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Bucs.
After that, in Week 15, Trubisky earned his next start, and the team went on a four-game winning streak to close off the season.
This year has been different for the 29-year-old quarterback. Trubisky’s sample size is small, but in his four appearances, he has demonstrated dubious accuracy and decision-making.
His completion percentage of 60.7% is the lowest it has been since his rookie campaign. To boot, Trubisky has only attempted 84 passes with three interceptions.
Trubisky has struggled with interceptions all of his professional life. He can, however, also score on significant passing plays down the field. In 2018, Trubisky averaged a career-high 7.4 yards per attempt and 11.2 yards per completion during his Pro Bowl season.
It sounds like Faulkner wants a game plan in which the offense of the team takes advantage of Trubisky’s aggression rather than trying to reduce his chances of throwing an interception.
The Steelers are fighting to survive in the AFC playoffs.
Definitely, the Steelers could use more spectacular throwing plays. Due to the outcomes in Week 14, the team managed to secure a postseason position despite losing on Thursday Night Football; however, a third consecutive loss in Week 15 could spell disaster for the Steelers.
In the AFC, there are six teams with a 7-6 record. Due to tiebreakers, Pittsburgh is now first among those teams; however, a defeat to the Colts may send the Steelers down to 11th in the conference.
According to Joe Rutter of TribLive.com, Steelers center Mason Cole declared, “It’s playoff football four weeks early.”
In his career, Trubisky has started two playoff games, both of which ended in losses. He didn’t play poorly in either game, though.
Trubisky may need to have his best game to win if the Steelers are to have a chance to make the playoffs for one more week.
