Steelers' Mason Rudolph Takes Obvious Shot At Ben Roethlisberger When Asked About Offensive Cohesion

Pittsburgh Steelers third-string quarterback, Mason Rudolph hasn't exactly made it a secret that he and former starter Ben Roethlisberger did not have the best relationship. Rudolph was drafted with the intention of making him the "heir apparent" to Roethlisberger and he has said that the future Hall of Famer did not put a lot of effort into helping him develop. Now Roethlisberger is retired and Rudolph was recently promoted to starter after Kenny Pickett sustained a high ankle sprain and backup Mitch Trubisky proved unable to move the ball consistently. This has thrust Rudolph back into the spotlight and he says the current relationship among quarterbacks is vastly better than what he was used to. 

Rudolph got the nod to start in the Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. He had what was the best game of his career. It wasn't just him, however. The whole offense came together, including much-maligned wide receiver George Pickens, to have their best game of the season. Rudolph looked confident and in control of the game as he completed 17 out of 27 attempts for 290 yards. 

While Head Coach Mike Tomlin hasn't definitively named a starter for the Week 17 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, it is hard to imagine him taking the start away from Rudolph. Even if Pickett is healthy only a few weeks after tightrope surgery, you would think he would stay with the hot hand given that Rudolph gave the best quarterback play we've seen since Roethlisberger retired. 

According to Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports reporter Brian Batko, Rudolph was asked about the "sideline dialogue" among the three quarterbacks. Rudolph wouldn't come straight out and say to whom he was referring, but it seems clear it became a jab at Roethlisberger as much as an offer of praise for Trubisky and Pickett. 

"They were very helpful. I've got a lot of respect and have enjoyed their company, very much, both of them. No matter who's played, there's been great communication and everyone is truly trying to make the other person better, find the nugget. If they see something, then suggest something that's truly going to help us out as opposed to, there's been other times when it's not as cohesive of a group and people aren't as forthcoming with, 'How do we help?'"

Batko picked up on the subtle dig and suggested that perhaps Rudolph was referring to his time at Oklahoma State as a college player. Apparently the comment Roethlisberger made shortly after Rudolph was drafted about there being better options in the third round than a quarterback, hasn't been forgotten. 

Steelers' Mason Rudolph Has Been Cheered On By Roethlisberger Recently

Roethlisberger may have felt insecure about the Steelers' decision to draft a quarterback when he was in the prime of his career, never mind all the times we needed a solid backup because he was injured. But that seems to be water under the bridge for him. He now co-hosts his own podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, and recently talked about Rudolph leading the Steelers in victory over the Bengals. 

It had been nearly 800 days since the last time Rudolph had started and no one can say that he hasn't handled the process of being demoted with anything but grace. On his show, Roethlisberger said he isn't entirely surprised that Rudolph did well. That last start came in 2021 when Roethlisberger was out with COVID-19, and Rudolph faced the Detroit Lions. He threw 50 passes, completing 40 of them for 242 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. The Steelers tied the Lions 16-16. 

Roethlisberger felt that Rudolph benefited from the notion that he had nothing to lose. He could just go in and throw the ball, something that Roethlisberger knew he could do. In addition, Rudolph has had the benefit of learning under multiple offensive coordinators, quarterback coaches, and has learned a lot because of it.

His performance against the Bengals has the majority of Steeler Nation hoping that Tomlin will start Rudolph again. The challenge during Week 17 will be much greater than the previous one. Not only does the team have to travel to the West Coast, they play the Seahawks who are a much better team than Cincinnati right now. 

What do you think about Rudolph's comments on the quarterback's room? Do you think he was taking at shot at Roethlisberger? Click to comment below. 

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