Why Kenny Pickett Can Win the Starting Gig this Sunday

Story by Yinzer Crazy Contributor Noah Nichols. Follow him on Twitter @_NoahNichols

When Mike Tomlin was asked earlier this week if the quarterback position would be one of the many positions whose starter would be decided in the final week of the preseason, Tomlin answered with one word; “yes.” 

While many of us have assumed that Mitch Trubisky would be rolled out as the Steelers week one starter, perhaps to be overtaken by Kenny Pickett later, if at all, there’s a chance Trubisky loses the job. Not necessarily due to his bad play, but Kenny Pickett’s poise and veteran-like ability to command the huddle and make things happen when it matters. 

Yes, it's the preseason. But the preseason goes a long way into determining who plays in the regular season, else Mike Tomlin would have never been asked, much less answered, the question I mentioned earlier. 

Kenny Pickett has been impressive. Has he been impressive enough to take the starting job from Mitch Trubisky? 

No - at least, not yet. There are two things that have to happen for Kenny Pickett to be announced as the week one starter against the Cincinnati Bengals. They both must happen in tandem for Pickett to take the starting role after the final preseason game on Sunday. If only one of them happens, it is highly unlikely that Pickett manages to take the reins from Trubisky. 

First, Mitch Trubisky must keep playing at a good - but not great - level for this final game (and perhaps practices afterward). He’s not been horrible by any stretch in the preseason, heck he’s been running for his life for seemingly half of it.

But, while Trubisky has been fine, Kenny Pickett has simply been better. That’s where the second scenario comes into play: Kenny Pickett must absolutely light it up on Sunday in order to win the starting job.

Of course, if Trubisky comes in and plays his best game of the preseason, or Pickett his worst, Trubisky will remain the starter. But there is a chance, albeit small, that Pickett will be the surprise week one starter.

What should give Pickett fans hope (that Pickett starts the season) is Mike Tomlin’s answer I mentioned earlier in this article. If Tomlin felt that Trubisky was a ways ahead of Pickett, there would be no reason to answer how he did. 

If, on the other hand, Pickett is on Trubisky's heels in terms of play, then it would make sense for Tomlin to give the answer he did. Pickett’s resolve in last week's two-minute drill, a game-winning drive the week prior, cleaning up his tendency to hold the ball, and his obvious comfort in Matt Canada’s system have helped Pickett make a strong push for the starting job.

I am not predicting Pickett to take the job from Trubisky. But I can’t help but feel that if Pickett lights the world on fire Sunday, and Trubisky keeps playing as he has been, Pickett may be the one to lead his team against the Bengals in a few weeks' time. 

If we see Pickett air the ball out Sunday, make some deep throws to George Pickens and Diontae Johnson, keep his cool in a less-than-secure pocket, and/or make another impressive drive in a time-crunched situation, Kenny Pickett will take the job from Mitch Trubsiky. It might very well be KP8 season a lot sooner than we thought, and it's only due to Pickett's tremendous preseason, thus far. 

Here’s hoping it continues.