Steelers fans’ reactions to initial depth chart stirs debate
The Pittsburgh Steelers released their initial depth chart ahead of their season opener on September 11 with a mix of emotions from fans. The team also revealed their practice squad and players on injured/reserved.
If there has been one thing that has been most consistent throughout training camp was fan reactions to who should be the starting quarterback. Once the depth chart was revealed, the discussion and debate heated back up.
After almost near-endless discourse, it shouldn’t come as a major shock that Mitchell Trubisky is listed as the starting quarterback. The fact that the conversation, especially on social media, has become so heated is, though.
I think some fans are of the mindset they can never be wrong and hitched their saddles super early w/Trubisky and won't let go
Others are Pitt fans who don't want it any other way than Kenny
This is going to be a long long season – if not longer than that – when it comes to QB
— Joe Kuzma (SCU) (@Joe_Kuzma) September 5, 2022
Trubisky was brought into Pittsburgh because the Steelers wanted a veteran quarterback. We at Steel City Underground have examined nearly every word and potential indication the organization and head coach have made in depth.
Pulled this Mike Tomlin quote from his presser on Jan 18 of this year pic.twitter.com/3ZYvD5E4Os
— Joe Kuzma (SCU) (@Joe_Kuzma) September 5, 2022
That rookie Kenny Pickett is listed third, behind Trubisky and Mason Rudolph means nothing. The team will play the quarterback they feel gives them the best opportunity to win.
Someone has to start out at QB1, and in Week 1 on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals, it will be Trubisky. There’s no way to predict whether Pickett or Rudolph will be asked to play, so the overreactions are just that: overreactions.
https://twitter.com/missi_matthews/status/1566879414419333120?t=qR4g91CVhoHSEduxXdY3Qw&s=19
The “starters” on both offense and defense were not nearly as artificially controversial. Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt were both named No. 1 at their position and defensive team captains. Top rusher Najee Harris was named an offensive captain with Trubisky. Safety Miles Killebrew was named special teams captain.
The Steelers’ captains are typically experienced veterans and are honored by being voted to those positions by teammates.
“There is a lot of responsibility that comes with (being captain). You want to be an extension of your teammates… represent them the right way.” – Cam Heyward
The practice squad is finally filled out. Some new players joined the team who had spent previous time with other teams.
| Player | # | Pos | HT | WT | Age | Exp | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Adams | 40 | S | 5-11 | 202 | 29 | 7 | Connecticut |
| Carlos Davis | 73 | DT | 6-2 | 320 | 26 | 3 | Nebraska |
| William Dunkle | 68 | G | 6-5 | 319 | 22 | R | San Diego State |
| Mark Gilbert | 31 | CB | 6-1 | 192 | 25 | 2 | Duke |
| Jason Huntley | 33 | RB | 5-9 | 193 | 24 | 2 | New Mexico State |
| Josh Jackson | 16 | CB | 6-0 | 196 | 26 | 5 | Iowa |
| John Leglue | 74 | OL | 6-7 | 310 | 26 | 2 | Tulane |
| Ryan McCollum | 62 | C | 6-5 | 300 | 24 | 2 | Texas A&M |
| Anthony McFarland Jr. | 26 | RB | 5-8 | 193 | 23 | 3 | Maryland |
| Hamilcar Rashed Jr. | 45 | LB | 6-2 | 251 | 24 | 1 | Oregon State |
| Justin Rigg | 87 | TE | 6-6 | 259 | 24 | R | Kentucky |
| Elijah Riley | 37 | S | 6-0 | 205 | 24 | 2 | Army |
| Chapelle Russell | 49 | LB | 6-2 | 236 | 25 | 3 | Temple |
| Delontae Scott | 91 | LB | 6-5 | 246 | 25 | 1 | SMU |
| Cody White | 15 | WR | 6-3 | 215 | 23 | 2 | Michigan State |
| Renell Wren | 96 | DT | 6-5 | 318 | 26 | 3 | Arizona State |
Both Jason Huntley and Renell Wren were released by the Philadelphia Eagles, although Wren spent the majority of the 2021 NFL season on the practice squad for the Cincinnati Bengals.
Andrew Adams is an intriguing addition as a safety. He has recorded 175 tackles (141 solo stops), seven interceptions, six tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles, and 23 passes defensed in 86 games (35 starts). He was a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl LV team.
New Steelers safety Andrew Adams picked off Cam Newton three times in one game back in 2018 https://t.co/bBIGBZiHMa
— Zac Celedonia (@ZeFlashNFL) September 5, 2022
The important debate this week should focus less on who earned a “starting” spot and how well the Steelers have prepared – and repaired – their roster in order to be at their very best in all aspects of the season opener in Cincinnati.
