Analyst thinks Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph could start over Kenny Pickett through losing season

If nothing else, NFL insider and former offensive lineman Ross Tucker elicited plenty of emotions during his Friday morning appearance on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan. Tucker offered some harsh criticism of Pittsburgh Steelers running back and 2021 rookie Najee Harris but also praised the franchise for its handling of what could've become an awkward and difficult quarterback situation last year. 

From early spring through this week, reporters and analysts have repeated that, barring an unforeseen circumstance, free-agent acquisition Mitchell Trubisky will be Pittsburgh's starting quarterback for Week 1 over first-round draft selection Kenny Pickett and career backup Mason Rudolph. Per Anthony Ravasio of Steeler Nation, Tucker explained why he thinks a handful of losses won't immediately cost Trubisky his job this fall assuming he's atop the depth chart when the preseason ends. 

"Other organizations are much more concerned about development than the Steelers. And that’s sort of a blessing for the Steelers, but maybe a little bit of a curse. I truly believe that the Steelers will do whatever it takes each week to win that game," Tucker said. "If they think it’s Mitch Trubisky that can win them the game that week, it’s Trubisky. If they think it’s Kenny Pickett, it’s Pickett. If they think it’s Mason Rudolph, it’s Mason Rudolph. And maybe to their detriment. 

"It’s just the Steeler way. They never give up on a week, they never give up on a season, and it’s respectable. If they’re 2-5 or 3-6, it would make a whole lot of sense to just give Pickett the rest of the year, but I don’t know if they’ll do that. They have a different philosophy and it’s why they’re always so good and so competitive. As a former player, I respect it. I would never want to just wave the white flag and have the young guy play the rest of the year just so we could get him more experience."

Fans will have to wait until training camp begins late next month to learn if Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin will hold a legitimate competition for the QB1 gig or merely anoint Trubisky his starter. Whatever happens, Tucker made it clear he's convinced Tomlin's choice won't have to fear a quick hook unless he gets himself benched via poor performances.