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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, known for his straightforward commentary, recently offered a revealing perspective on facing veteran backup quarterbacks, drawing a notable comparison to a past encounter with the Indianapolis Colts. His remarks, while focusing on the upcoming Week 4 clash against the Minnesota Vikings, subtly critiqued a former top draft pick while highlighting the invaluable experience of seasoned signal-callers.
A Blast from the Past: The Colts Comparison
As the Steelers prepare to face Carson Wentz, who steps in as the Vikings’ backup quarterback, Tomlin harked back to a similar scenario from last season. He recalled the Steelers’ game against the Indianapolis Colts, where a young Anthony Richardson Sr. (5) was forced out due to injury, paving the way for veteran Joe Flacco. This pivotal moment, Tomlin suggested, offered a lesson in the unpredictable nature of NFL matchups.
“We were in a similar situation a year ago when we were playing in Indianapolis, man,” Tomlin recounted. “I commented to the guys, you know, ‘Keep [Anthony] Richardson upright. Don’t put Flacco in the game.’ You know, Flacco ended up in the game. I think that’s often times some of the things that you can run into when you run into a veteran guy. At least from a short-term perspective.”
This statement, while seemingly innocuous, carried a subtle jab at Richardson, who, at the time, was making just his eighth career start. Flacco, a Super Bowl XLVII MVP, subsequently led the Colts to a 27-24 victory over Pittsburgh, demonstrating the immediate impact a seasoned quarterback can have.
Richardson’s Journey: Talent and Tribulation
Anthony Richardson, the former No. 4 overall pick, possesses undeniable physical gifts, but his NFL journey has been marked by injuries and a struggle for consistent playing time. The 23-year-old lost his starting role to Daniel Jones this summer, with Jones leading the Colts to an impressive 3-0 start and ranking third in the league with 816 passing yards. Richardson’s ongoing battle to stay healthy and translate his raw talent into on-field production remains a significant storyline for the Colts.
The Veteran Advantage: Wentz and Flacco
Tomlin’s deeper point revolved around the distinct advantages veteran signal-callers bring to an offense, especially when stepping in for younger, less experienced quarterbacks. This is particularly relevant as the Steelers prepare for Carson Wentz, who is now under center for Minnesota after 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy sustained an ankle sprain in Week 2.
“He’s a grizzly veteran,” Tomlin stated, emphasizing Wentz’s experience. “Often times, particularly when you have a young, inexperienced quarterback, there’s some big-time benefits of playing with a vet backup. The veteran guy oftentimes does the intangible components of the job very well. … They oftentimes are able to carry more schematic responsibility and so forth at the line of scrimmage.”
Wentz, a former Pro Bowler and MVP candidate during his early career with the Philadelphia Eagles, has started 95 games over his 10 years in the league. In his first start with the Vikings in Week 1, he completed 14 of 20 passes for 173 yards and two touchdowns, leading his team to a dominant 48-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, who were also without their starting quarterback, Joe Burrow. This performance underscores Tomlin’s point: a veteran like Wentz, while not the primary starter, is more than capable of orchestrating a win.
Looking Ahead: The Challenge of Experience
The Steelers and Tomlin are acutely aware of the challenges that come with facing an experienced veteran quarterback. While the focus often remains on the starting signal-caller, the ability of a seasoned backup to step in and execute an offense effectively can dramatically alter a game’s outcome. As the Steelers prepare for their Week 4 matchup, Tomlin’s reflections serve as a reminder that in the NFL, experience often trumps potential, at least in the short term. For more in-depth analysis and daily updates on the Pittsburgh Steelers, be sure to bookmark Steelers On SI.
