In the NFL, the ability to develop quarterbacks is often a key trait that teams seek in their coaches. The Pittsburgh Steelers are not typically viewed as a franchise capable of nurturing young quarterbacks, yet recent events suggest that they may be more quarterback-friendly than once believed.
The notion arose during a rough patch for former Steelers quarterbacks. Justin Fields, currently with the Jets, struggled significantly, failing to surpass 100 yards in his last two outings before being benched. Similarly, Russell Wilson, who has faced considerable challenges this season, was recently supplanted by rookie Jaxson Dart on the Giants after disappointing performances. Meanwhile, Kenny Pickett, who logged only five snaps last Sunday, finds himself on his fourth team in three years, reinforcing the idea that former Steelers quarterbacks have had more productive tenures in Pittsburgh.
Interestingly, the decision to sign Aaron Rodgers prior to this season seems to have benefited the team, as he’s enjoying one of his more successful seasons in recent memory. Alan Saunders of Steelers Now pointed to offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as a significant factor. His prior success with Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee adds weight to the argument that the Steelers have the potential to foster quarterback talent.
Historically, the Steelers haven’t had a standout quarterback prospect since Ben Roethlisberger. While Kenny Pickett was drafted with promise, his struggles across multiple teams hint at deeper issues within the organization rather than just the coaching staff’s abilities. It’s also worth noting that former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who was at the helm during Pickett’s tenure, has since moved on.
Under head coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have consistently managed to remain competitive, even with quarterbacks like Duck Hodges, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky leading the charge at different times. This adaptability suggests a more favorable environment for quarterbacks than what might be initially perceived, as players tend to perform better in Pittsburgh compared to their other NFL experiences.
While the Steelers may not be at the forefront of the league’s list of ideal landing spots for quarterbacks, there’s a case to be made that they offer a more supportive framework than acknowledged. As the team prepares for the upcoming NFL draft, this perspective is promising for the future of the quarterback position within the organization.
The conversation surrounding whether Arthur Smith’s offense in Pittsburgh could emerge as a hidden gem for quarterbacks is ongoing, with fans encouraged to share their thoughts and insights. This evolving narrative indicates potential growth and a fresh outlook for the Steelers as they navigate quarterback development in the years to come.