During Mitch Trubisky’s brief tenure as the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback earlier this season, a common criticism and narrative surrounding his performance was he was not aggressive enough or willing to take chances.

Trubisky’s second relief outing — and first action of any kind in almost two months — could be critiqued for plenty of reasons. But not for being too timid.

Trubisky went downfield and wasn’t afraid to make throws into tight windows. They yielded big plays, but they also contributed to three interceptions that were crucial components of the Steelers’ 16-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.

“Obviously, I was overly aggressive at times, which showed up with the turnovers,” Trubisky said after stepping in after Kenny Pickett was placed in NFL concussion protocol during the first quarter. “But it was great to be back out there with the guys. I appreciate everybody battling all four quarters. A lot of stuff I can do better, but coming off the bench, just wanted to go in there, try to provide a spark.”

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Seven times over a span of answering 13 questions from media postgame, Trubisky used the phrase “I need to take care of the football” or some variation of it.

As coach Mike Tomlin would say, obviously.

The Steelers under Trubisky netted 308 yards in a little more than three quarters Sunday, getting 22 first downs — with no three-and-outs — over seven possessions. They had topped 22 first downs for a full game just once over the past two seasons combined.

The Steelers advanced into Baltimore territory during every drive Trubisky engineered. But despite five trips inside the Ravens’ 25-yard line with Trubisky, the Steelers scored only twice.

“It comes down to making plays and capitalizing on our possessions once we get into the red zone,” running back Najee Harris said. “That’s what it is.”

And while a blocked field goal was to blame for one of the failed drives, Trubisky’s three interceptions did the most damage.

“I’ve got to take care of the football so we can come away with points down there,” Trubisky said. “That’s on me.”

On the positive side, Trubisky averaged 9.2 yards per attempt.

For perspective on how good of a figure that is, it would lead the NFL over the full season.

Trubisky connected on completions of 25 yards or more to three receivers: 42 and 25 yards to George Pickens and a 37-yarder to Diontae Johnson.

“We had some chunk plays from Mitch,” center Mason Cole said. “We knew what we were getting with Mitch. We have played with him before as a starter and in a similar situation coming into a game. We just didn’t get it done today.”

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An offseason free-agent signing, Trubisky started the first four games of the season before being benched at halftime of a Week 4 loss to the New York Jets.

His only action since then was coming on for Pickett during an Oct. 16 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Trubisky completed 9 of 12 passes for 144 yards and a touchdown that day to secure victory.

In his starts this season, Trubisky has averaged 5.6 yards per attempt. In the two games he has come on in relief, it’s 10.0.

“I just try to come in, do my job, and at times I was overly aggressive,” Trubisky said. “I wanted to score in the red zone. I wanted to be aggressive. I think looking back at the film, once we look at it, I think I can be a lot better with my eyes and then be smart and know when to check it down. A learning experience for sure.”

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