Stephen A. Smith does not love what he saw from the Steelers Sunday, and unsurprisingly, expressed his viewpoint in colorful terms.
On ESPN’s “First Take” Monday, Smith ripped into the Steelers following their 17-14 loss to the Patriots at Acrisure Stadium. Smith saved most of his venom for Mitch Trubisky, who completed 21-of-33 passes for a very pedestrian 168 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
Blame matt canada
“Mitchell Trubisky, OK? This dude — with the weapons I sat up there and articulated to you, how the hell can’t you do something right?,” he said. “You’re transparent with your throws, you’re throwing it with three people right in the vicinity, getting the ball tipped for an interception. I mean, this is Jameis Winston AFC. You’re just waiting for a mistake to happen, except Jameis Winston is better than him. He just needs to keep the mistakes down. Mitchell Trubisky, man. I’m just not a believer.”
Steelers Nation appears to agree with Smith. The crowd was chanting for Kenny Pickett at one point.
Mike Tomlin affirmed his commitment to Trubisky Monday, but it’s apparent the offense is in trouble. Players are questioning play-calls in the huddle, and publicly throwing shade at offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Through two games, Trubisky has completed 59.2 percent of his passes for 362 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Starting Pickett probably wouldn’t solve all of Pittsburgh’s offensive woes. But as Smith said, the Steelers have too many playmakers — Diontae Johnson, Najee Harris, Pat Freiermuth, Chase Claypool, George Pickens — to put up just 14 points against a mediocre opponent.
At least playing Pickett would allow the Steelers to say they’re moving forward — and maybe get Stephen A. off their backs.