Despite having the most high-profile quarterback battle in the league, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ candidates at the position offered up an encouraging debut on Saturday night in the team’s first preseason game, which has drawn praise from the national media and fueled debate as to who should start.
Mitch Trubisky opened the game and played two drives, leading to one touchdown. Mason Rudolph followed and scored as well with a highlight-reel deep pass to rookie George Pickens. Then rookie first-round pick Kenny Pickett scored twice in the second half, including the game-winning touchdown.
And to their credit, they all did that with protection from the offensive line that wasn’t always so protective—with the linemen themselves being the first to admit it.