The paragraphs jumped off of page 253 of "Swagger," the terrific new book that examines the football life of Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson in Johnson's words.
"You need a star quarterback to win in today's game. The second most important player on a roster? In another era, I'd say a dominant pass rusher or maybe a star receiver. It's the backup quarterback in today's game.
"If you don't have a franchise quarterback and one to hold down the fort if your starter goes down for a stretch, your chances of winning a title are pretty slim."
I immediately thought about Mitch Trubisky.
Will he be back next season as Kenny Pickett's backup?
Will he be good enough if he is?
Trubisky's future with the Steelers has become a controversial topic. Maybe it isn't as hot as Matt Canada's return as offensive coordinator, but it is heated nonetheless.
Trubisky's salary cap hit for next season is $10.625 million. The Steelers could save $8 million against the cap if they release him. His many critics argue that is too much for a backup.
It's also safe to say Trubisky isn't thrilled about returning. He was signed to be the starting quarterback before the Steelers made Pickett their No. 1 draft pick in April. Trubisky lost the starting job to Pickett in the fourth game against the New York Jets.
If Trubisky feels as if he was misled or deceived by Tomlin, he wouldn't be the first player to feel that way. I give you LeGarrette Blount, Martavis Bryant, James Harrison and Melvin Ingram as proof. All four successfully moaned their way out of town, basically quitting on the Steelers.
"We want volunteers, not hostages," Tomlin said famously and repeatedly when parting with the players.
It appears that won't happen with Trubisky.
"I expect Mitch will be on the roster next year and be an effective backup if we need him," Art Rooney II told KDKA-TV's Bob Pompeani last week. "I think he showed he can be that. We can win with him."
I agree with Rooney on that one.
Trubisky played tentatively and ineffectively when he was the starter early in the season but was much better as the backup. It was as if he loosened up and played a more relaxed game. He helped the Steelers beat Tampa Bay after Pickett was concussed in the third quarter. He did throw three interceptions after relieving the again-concussed Pickett early against Baltimore but bounced back with a strong performance as the starter the next week in a win at Carolina.
"I know what I can do in this league," Trubisky said after that 24-16 win.
As for Trubisky's cap hit next season, it doesn't strike me as being outrageous. Pickett still is working cheap. Entering the second year of his rookie contract, he will count only $3.2 million against the cap. A combined $14 million cap hit for the most important position on the field is not preposterous.
Could the Steelers find someone better than Trubisky at a lesser price? Another backup who would have to come in and learn Canada's offense, such as it is?
I'm not sure about that.
Johnson is right about the importance of the backup quarterback position.
We know that here after what happened to the Steelers in the 2019 season. They had to finish the season with Mason Rudolph and Duck Hodges as their quarterbacks after Ben Roethlisberger was done in the second game with an elbow injury that required surgery.
But this is an NFL-wide issue.
Nine teams started at least three quarterbacks this season, including Carolina and Arizona, which started four. Only 10 teams had their quarterback start all 17 games. Not surprisingly, eight of the 10 made the playoffs.
It's reasonable to assume Pickett won't be able to start 17 next season. Football is such a brutal game. Pickett, who isn't afraid to take off and run with the ball, has those two concussions in his recent history. He also missed games at Pitt because of shoulder and ankle injuries.
The Steelers should keep Trubisky.
Just in case.
