The Pittsburgh Steelers have experienced a remarkable turnaround in their offense with Mason Rudolph at the helm. Over the course of his three-game stint as the starting quarterback during the 2023 season, Rudolph has led the Steelers to a three-game winning streak, rejuvenating their offense and securing a postseason berth.
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Steelers' Mason Rudolph smiles after leading Pittsburgh to another big win.
Since taking over as the starting quarterback, Rudolph has been nothing short of impressive. He has thrown for 716 yards, three touchdowns, and remarkably, zero interceptions. This surge in performance has undoubtedly contributed to the Steelers' recent success.
Steelers Depth Chart Debate
Despite Rudolph's exceptional performance and pivotal role in the team's resurgence, there remains a controversial decision surrounding the Steelers' quarterback depth chart. Rudolph is currently listed as the backup quarterback, with Kenny Pickett still occupying the top spot. Even though it was already announced that Rudolph will start in their Wild Card game against the Buffalo Bills.
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Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Mason Rudolph (2) and Kenny Pickett (8) practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on the South Side.
Mark Madden, a controversial columnist for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, has expressed his strong disapproval of this decision. He views it as disrespectful to Rudolph, given his substantial contributions to the team's recent victories.
“What good comes from listing Pickett as QB1? There just isn’t a logical reason to do it. It’s disrespectful to Mason Rudolph. As noted, Rudolph is starting Sunday despite being listed as the backup. Rudolph saved the Steelers’ season. He got Tomlin’s overrated backside off the perceived hot seat. In his three starts, Rudolph posted passer ratings of 112 or better. He’s given the offense poise and rhythm it’s lacked since Ben Roethlisberger retired. That Pickett can’t assemble.”
Madden further questions the likelihood of Pickett ever becoming the Steelers' franchise quarterback, expressing doubts about his ability to match Rudolph's recent performances.
The decision to keep Rudolph as the backup quarterback on the depth chart has ignited controversy and speculation among Steeler Nation and analysts alike. It remains to be seen how this situation will evolve and whether Rudolph's remarkable resurgence will lead to a change in his status on the depth chart.
"It tells Rudolph, who will be a free agent, that he should escape Pittsburgh in rapid fashion the minute the Steelers’ season ends (that’s presuming other offers). The insult of the depth chart should remind Rudolph that he was never treated fairly by Tomlin unless desperation beckoned."
Rudolph is set to be a free agent this offseason and Madden believes this decision shows no faith in him, even though he's technically saved the Steelers' season. Rumors have emerged that maybe Mike Tomlin simply doesn't like Rudolph. While that notion seems highly unlikely, Madden may start believing it.
“I’ve rolled my eyes at the thought that Tomlin just doesn’t like Rudolph. But that’s getting harder to dismiss. Respect and fair treatment for Rudolph has been minimal.”
Madden finds it perplexing that Tomlin continues to refer to Rudolph as "the hot hand" while downplaying his pivotal role in rescuing the season. He perceives it as a disheartening treatment of Rudolph, especially considering the offensive resurgence he has ignited.
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Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.
While there have been reports indicating the Steelers' faith in Pickett as their quarterback of the future, Madden raises an important question: Why not give Pickett the reins now? He believes there is no logical reason to keep Rudolph as the backup on the depth chart when he has clearly been instrumental in the team's recent success.
The decision to maintain Rudolph's backup status, while he's the starter, amid his remarkable performances has stirred controversy and left many scratching their heads. Madden's frustration with this choice reflects the sentiments of some fans who view Rudolph's contributions as integral to the Steelers' pending postseason journey.
As the Steelers prepare for their postseason campaign with Rudolph at the helm, his marriage with the team remains uncertain. However, Rudolph's playoff journey begins this Sunday, and he aims to enhance his football resume while leading the Steelers, who are significant underdogs, to a playoff victory—an achievement that has eluded them since the 2016 season.
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