The Pittsburgh Steelers’ recent struggles at the quarterback position can be traced back to a critical failure – the lack of a clear succession plan behind Ben Roethlisberger. The organization’s refusal to plan for the future and instead cling to past glory days has put them in a precarious position. Rather than investing in developing young talent or acquiring reliable bridge quarterbacks, the Steelers have struggled to find a suitable replacement for Roethlisberger.
Throughout the years, the Steelers have missed opportunities to solidify their quarterback position through the draft. The decision to draft Mason Rudolph in 2018 and then wait until after Roethlisberger’s retirement to address the quarterback situation was a costly mistake. Similarly, signing Mitch Trubisky and then drafting Kenny Pickett shortly after undercut both players and created unnecessary tension within the organization. The failure to invest significant draft capital in the quarterback position has hindered the team’s ability to find a long-term solution.
Kenny Pickett, touted as the man who broke Dan Marino’s college records, quickly fell out of favor with the Steelers organization. Despite showing flashes of potential, Pickett failed to live up to expectations and was ultimately traded to Philadelphia. His departure highlighted the Steelers’ lack of a coherent strategy when it comes to developing young quarterbacks. The chants for Pickett began early on, but his tenure as a starting quarterback was short-lived, ultimately leading to his exit from the team.
With Pickett no longer in the picture, the Steelers have the opportunity to reevaluate their approach to the quarterback position. The absence of a first-round quarterback with looming fifth-year option decisions provides the team with a clean slate. The focus can now shift towards building a more stable future, free from the burden of past mistakes. By opening the door to potential trades for quarterbacks like Justin Fields, the Steelers have a chance to move forward without being tied down by previous missteps.
Under the leadership of general manager Omar Khan, the Steelers have shown a willingness to break from tradition and explore new avenues for team improvement. Khan’s emphasis on strong competition at the quarterback position signals a departure from the old ways of doing things. The willingness to consider free agent signings and trades demonstrates a commitment to building a better football team, even if it means deviating from established norms.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ struggles at the quarterback position serve as a cautionary tale for NFL teams. The failure to plan for the future and reliance on past success can hinder a team’s ability to adapt and thrive in a competitive league. Moving forward, the Steelers have an opportunity to learn from their mistakes and forge a new path towards success. By embracing change and being open to new possibilities, the team can position itself for a brighter future on the gridiron.
Leave a Reply