When Kenny Pickett relieved Mitch Trubisky in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 4 home loss to the New York Jets, Pickett threw three interceptions. That was OK. The kid has a lot to learn. Be patient.

When Trubisky relieved Pickett and served up three picks in Sunday’s home defeat vs. Baltimore, it triggered the Spanish Inquisition. TRUBISKY COST US THE SEASON!

But the Steelers’ season had been flushed long prior. Sunday merely provided a sense of finality.

Up next: The bell tolls for Mike Tomlin’s run of no losing seasons ever. After that crumbles, the marquee streak will be six seasons without a playoff win.

The citizens should be overjoyed that Trubisky can be logically scapegoated because he’s one of the very few we’re allowed to blame. Trubisky and offensive coordinator Matt Canada compose that list.

• Airing of Grievances: Mitch Trubisky's interceptions, regressing run defense define Steelers' loss to Ravens • First Call: Ravens Pro Bowler admits being exposed by Steelers; John Harbaugh hypes up late drive; Jaromir Jagr's latest exploits • Madden Monday: Just blaming Mitch Trubisky for Steelers' loss is the easy way out • Steelers vs. Ravens: What they're saying in Baltimore after win

Trubisky certainly deserves the lion’s share of blame for Sunday’s loss.

But special teams were terrible. A Chris Boswell field-goal try got blocked. Pressley Harvin shanked a 17-yard punt.

On the former, Baltimore behemoth Calais Campbell said a flaw got spotted in the Steelers’ blocking and an “audible” was called. The 6-foot-8 Campbell got a hand on the ball.

What was that flaw, why did it exist, and how come Steelers special teams coach Danny Smith never comes up with a similarly productive adjustment? He’s too busy running around like a cartoon character, I guess.

The $108 million defense was terrible. The Ravens saw their second- and third-string quarterbacks pressed into service, predictably turned to the run and had zero problem executing thereof. The Ravens rushed for 215 yards.

Tomlin should have tried an onside kick after the Steelers scored a touchdown to get within 16-14 with under three minutes left. His defense just wasn’t going to get a three-and-out, and it didn’t.

The Steelers defense got no takeaways and just two sacks. That’s not enough impact from a unit that makes so much money.

Tomlin said the defense got tired. That’s a tired excuse. Baltimore had the ball 33 minutes. That’s not an onerous figure.

But blaming Trubisky is easier and more fun. So blame Trubisky you will.

The impact of those three interceptions can’t be denied, though you did deny the impact of Pickett’s three interceptions in Week 4.

• Mistakes doom Steelers in close loss to Ravens • Blocked FG by Calais Campbell critical play in Steelers’ loss to Ravens • Steelers DL Chris Wormley leaves loss to Ravens with knee injury • Steelers’ run defense shredded again in loss to Ravens • Anything but a game manager, Mitch Trubisky aggressive, mistake-prone in relief for Steelers • A week after frustrating game, George Pickens makes big plays in Steelers' loss

But except for those interceptions, the Steelers offense looked more dynamic with Trubisky at quarterback. (Yeah, I know … other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?)

With Trubisky at QB on Sunday, the Steelers registered 22 first downs and had zero three-and-outs.

The ball moved. There was intent. A little bit of quick strike. Not just trying to survive via protecting the ball. Not just bland game management.

Trubisky trusted receivers to make plays, most notably George Pickens in single coverage. (Pickens’ two longest receptions this year have been thrown by Trubisky.)

There’s more to quarterbacking than just not throwing interceptions. Trubisky reminded us of that. While throwing too many interceptions, unfortunately.

Pickett should obviously go back in as soon as he’s cleared. That decision has been made.

The Steelers visit Carolina next. They are 2½-point underdogs. Yuck.

The Panthers rushed for 223 yards in Sunday’s upset victory at Seattle. The Steelers should know what to expect. But they knew what to expect against the Ravens, too.

The Steelers just stink. There’s no one player or coach to blame. The Steelers are a bad team.

They have zero consistency. Not as a team, nor in any facet of their game. There’s no legitimate strength for the Steelers to hang their hats on. They don’t do anything well.

Given that, they’re fortunate to be 5-8.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)