Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubisky (10) passes the ball against the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers fans chant 'Kenny' as Trubisky, offense struggle in loss to Patriots

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/18/22

The Steelers' offense struggled Sunday against the Patriots. Especially, quarterback Mitch Trubisky, who threw an early interception and didn't finish drives in scoring territory. Fans decided they had seen enough, chanting for rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett to replace Trubisky in the third quarter.

We've got the #Steelers fans chanting for Kenny Pickett after Trubisky throws a check down on 3rd and 8 and gets bubkus. Chris Boswell does what Nick Folk could not, drilling a 52-yard field goal, and the #Steelers pull within 4, 10-6.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) September 18, 2022

Pickett was the Steelers' No.1 pick in this year's draft. He's already a local hero. Pickett leads the Pitt Panthers to their first conference title in over a decade. So, the fanbase eagerly awaits his first NFL snap. Especially if Trubisky and the offense continue to struggle.

Although the Steelers upset the Bengals in Week 1, the defense carried them forcing five turnovers. Trubisky and the offense only scored one touchdown. The pressure was on them to make more plays because they can't always rely on the defense being a dominant force.

The Steelers' defense forced one turnover, a Minkah Fitzpatrick interception, but the offense didn't drive the ball downfield. Consequently, their drives stalled, causing the defense to tire and eventually break down.

Quarterback Mac Jones capitalized on this, leading the Patriots to two touchdown drives.

Trubisky did respond after fans started cheering for Pickett, leading the Steelers to their lone touchdown drive, but it was too late, they lost 17-14.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told ESPN NFL Nation Steelers reporter Brooke Pryor, "We didn't make significant chunks, or move the ball well on offense."

The Steelers only averaged 4.2 yards per play. The Patriots may have exposed a big weakness.

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