Mitch Trubisky will start on Saturday for Steelers
Many UNC fans remember former quarterback Mitch Trubisky as the one-season wonder who shredded ACC defenses in 2016, throwing for 3,748 passing yards and 30 touchdown in his first (and only) season as a starter.
Trubisky spent two years behind Marquise Williams, one of the best Carolina dual-threat quarterbacks in recent memory. That decision by former head coach Larry Fedora proved to pay off, with Trubisky being selected second overall in the 2017 NFL Draft.
For someone selected that highly, you’d think they’re an All-Pro.
Trubisky is far from that. He has a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio (71 TD, 46 INT in career) and can run when needed (1,172 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns), but he’s not producing at the level of a second overall pick.
Despite leading the Chicago Bears to a couple of playoff appearances, inconsistent play led to him be benched in favor of Nick Foles. Trubisky then bounced to the Buffalo Bills for a season, then signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers last year.
With typical Steelers start Kenny Pickett out indefinitely, due to a right ankle sprain, Trubisky is getting his second chance to start in the Steel City.
On Monday, Dec. 11, Trubisky was named starter for Pittsburgh’s Saturday tilt against the Indianapolis Colts.
This matchup has major playoff implications for both teams, with each sitting at 7-6 and holding onto a wild card spot. Whoever wins stays in, plus whoever loses likely drops out of the playoff picture.
Trubisky has not played great this year, throwing for 463 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions across four games – all of which are Steelers losses. He showed promise on the ground in Sunday’s loss to the 3-win New England Patriots, rushing for 30 yards and a touchdown, but largely played too conservatively.
If Pittsburgh wants to keep its playoff hopes alive, it’ll need Trubisky to re-visit his 2016 days at UNC.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
