The Pittsburgh Steelers once again find themselves in the middle of a quarterback controversy. With starting Quarterback Kenny Pickett recovering from a concussion and possibly out this week against the Carolina Panthers, both Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph are being considered for the job. Today Rudolph expressed his disbelief over Tomlin's statements.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 21: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 21, 2021, in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Tomlin On Rudolph Starting For The Steelers
During his press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about who would play if Pickett isn't able.
“I’m going to work both guys this week if given an opportunity if he’s not able to participate," Tomlin started. "But really, I’m taking it day by day from a quarterback decision-making standpoint. His availability day to day is such a key component of it. All three guys are sharp guys, all three guys have been participants in our game planning, particularly of late, and all are very capable of playing the position and playing the position at a high level within what we’re doing right now. So, we’ll take it day to day and play it by ear.”
Tomlin was also asked about where Trusbisky and Rudolph stand in the lineup now. Trubisky has been the backup to Pickett all season with Rudolph not seeing much action since training camp.
“We work both guys. Both guys have remained engaged, and it’s really kind of been 2 and 2-A, if you will. There’s a scarcity of reps. But again, as I mentioned, when you’ve got veteran backups, guys with a cumulative body of work, particularly in Mason’s case, haven’t been exposed to us and having been here and the receivers potentially that he would work with and all of those things. Oftentimes, when you’re talking about a guy ascending within that position, you’re calling on past experiences as a catalyst for how you move forward," Tomlin said.
Rudolph Bites Back
On Wednesday, Rudolph spoke to the media and was asked if he feels the same as Tomlin, that he is two-A to Trubisky's two. Rudolph didn't hesitate with his response.
"I felt like I haven’t been active on Sundays," he said.
Rudolph's opportunities have been limited this season. He competed for the starting job alongside Pickett and Trubisky during the offseason. Trubisky won the starting job with Pickett as QB2 and Rudolph as QB3. Then Pickett took over for a struggling Trubisky but Rudolph remained QB3. Then during the game last weekend against the Ravens, Pickett suffered a concussion at the end of the first quarter. Trubisky came in for him and quickly racked up three interceptions.
Photo Credit: Steelers.com
Rudolph is not new to being the backup, he played behind future Hall of Famer Ben Roethlisberger for most of his career.
This leaves the Steelers with some confusion over what we thought was a clear topic. Which QB should start? Rudolph will never be the QB1 that leads the team into the future, he has had those opportunities and isn't that guy. However, it feels like Tomlin's confidence in Trubisky was shaken mightily by those interceptions.
Trubisky looked confident, he took chances, he moved the ball down the field and he turned the ball over. When you look at it in that light, Rudolph seems like the safer option. He works within the confines of what he is told to do, he is not a risk taker but he can throw a fairly accurate ball for a good distance.
There doesn't seem to be much doubt that if Pickett is cleared he will start but if he isn't it will be interesting to see if Rudolph gets one more shot at saving the season.
CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 14: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs out on to the field prior to the start of the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Who do you think should start this weekend? Would you play Pickett if he is cleared? Comment below!
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