Nothing went right for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday afternoon during a humiliating defeat at the hands of rookie QB C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans. They had their way with the Steelers all afternoon, dominating both sides of the ball to the tune of a 30-6 victory. Following the loss, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wasn’t shy with his criticism.
The game wasn’t the only thing the Steelers lost on Sunday, as QB Kenny Pickett left the game with a knee injury, and early indications suggest it may be serious. This could potentially cost the second-year signal-caller the remainder of his sophomore campaign.
Pittsburgh finds themselves at 2-2 in the thick of the AFC North. But with injuries mounting to Pickett and top receiver Diontae Johnson, the Steelers offense is a shell of its former self. The unit wasn’t formidable to begin with, as offensive coordinator Matt Canada is under fire from the Steelers’ fanbase.
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What Did Mike Tomlin Say Following the Loss to Houston?
The Steelers are a proud franchise and are rarely dominated the way they were on Sunday. The game was shocking in several ways, as the Texans are hardly world beaters, but the team dominated on Sunday from the opening coin flip.
Mike Tomlin asked if there’s going to be changes, he says emphatically, “Hell yeah there’s going to be changes.”
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) October 1, 2023
The Steelers laid an egg, being humiliated on both sides of the ball. Following the epic defeat, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn’t pull his punches.
“Hell yeah, there’s going to be changes.”
What Changes Could the Steelers Make?
One change the Steelers must make is at the QB position. Reports indicated that Pickett may be lost for the season with a knee injury. While we await official word, it’s evident that the Steelers will be without him for at least some time.
Matt Canada after punting 5 times and possibly tearing Kenny Pickett’s ACL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/yKfgw4plQR
— PickensBurgh🫡 (Tino) (@PickensBurgh) October 1, 2023
The Steelers must get the ball into the hands of their primary playmakers more efficiently.
MORE: PFN Life — Off-the-Field Content
Pittsburgh will already be without primary chain-mover Diontae Johnson, so Pickett no longer has his underneath security blanket to bail him out. WR George Pickens is the big play guy down the field, but the Steelers aren’t getting him the ball regularly.
Who Will Replace Kenny Pickett?
Pickett could be on the shelf for some time, so the Steelers need to make plans for what they do under center from here. In-house replacement Mitch Trubisky is the most likely option to start for Pittsburgh. Still, the idea of the former Bears signal-caller starting under center doesn’t inspire confidence among the Pittsburgh faithful.
Kenny Pickett injured and seeing Mitch Trubisky in the game
Steelers fans: pic.twitter.com/MrfQ9TjVrS
— Blake Garman (@FrostedBlakes34) October 1, 2023
Expect another week of Matt Ryan, Tom Brady, and Colin Kaepernick rumors, but reality is much stranger than fiction.