The 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers' season took an unexpected turn when Mason Rudolph stepped in to replace Mitch Trubisky ahead of their crucial matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Little did anyone know that this change at quarterback would spark a resurgence in the Steelers' offense, capturing the attention and faith of Steeler Nation.
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Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph looks to try and complete a pass during the team's Week 16 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Steelers Offense Thrives Under Mason Rudolph
Rudolph, a six-year veteran quarterback, had been largely forgotten on the Steelers' roster. However, he walked onto the field and seemingly won over not only the fans, but also the locker room. One notable connection he formed was with the talented, but troubled wide receiver, George Pickens.
Additionally, Diontae Johnson's admiration for Rudolph shined through in his expressed desire for Rudolph to be the quarterback for the upcoming season.
In his four-game stretch to close out the season, Rudolph showcased his skills, completing an impressive 74.3% of his passes, accumulating 716 passing yards, and throwing three touchdowns. He posted an impressive 118.0 passer rating, leaving no doubt about his capabilities.
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Mike Tomlin Press Conference
During his end-of-season press conference with members of the media, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about his perception of Rudolph and if it had changed. Tomlin's response was emphatic.
"Oh, certainly. I don't think any of us can deny what we've seen over the last month or so. I cannot underscore how impressive it is to be ready. Forget performance, man, to be ready to deliver. And he was, and that preparedness showed. Certainly, we're less speculative about his capabilities because there's evidence of it and evidence of it in tough circumstances.”
The Steelers drafted Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft with the 76th overall pick, with hopes that he could potentially be the successor to the legendary Ben Roethlisberger.
However, Rudolph faced challenges early in his career and struggled to gain much attention from the coaching staff. It took Trubisky's series of consecutive struggles before Tomlin finally gave Rudolph the opportunity he deserved.
At 28 years old, Rudolph seized his chance and led the Steelers to three consecutive wins, igniting a spark in the team's postseason hopes. Although they ultimately lost to the Buffalo Bills, Rudolph's performance late in the game showcased his continued potential.
The game in Buffalo got off to a rocky start for Rudolph and the Steelers, but as the second half unfolded, Rudolph appeared to find his rhythm and become more at ease with the game's flow. By the end of the game, Rudolph had thrown for 229 yards, delivering two touchdowns and one interception. However, his completion rate stood at 56.4%.
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Steelers QB Mason Rudolph runs for a first down as he attempts to keep his team in the game vs. the Buffalo Bills.
While Rudolph's performance wasn't enough to secure a victory for the Steelers, it's essential to recognize that the playoff defeat cannot be solely attributed to him. The Bills simply outperformed the Steelers on that particular day, with Josh Allen posing a formidable challenge that the Steelers struggled to counter. Nevertheless, it was an intriguing development to witness Rudolph's gradual adaptation and improvement as the game unfolded.
While the future for Rudolph in Pittsburgh remains uncertain, he has undoubtedly turned heads and garnered the attention of the coaching staff. With the likelihood of the Steelers parting ways with Trubisky after his struggles, Tomlin is convinced that the franchise quarterback may already be on their roster.
Rudolph is set to become a free agent, and while he has expressed his love for Pittsburgh, he has not definitively confirmed his return. Both he and the Steelers face a significant decision this offseason regarding Rudolph's future with the team.
As the offseason unfolds, the Steelers and their fans find themselves in a position of uncertainty regarding the quarterback situation. While Kenny Pickett is the only quarterback confirmed to be on the roster, Rudolph's impressive performance has rekindled hope and faith in his potential as a franchise quarterback.
The road ahead for the Steelers and Rudolph is uncertain, but one thing is clear. Rudolph's four-game stretch has left an indelible mark on Steeler Nation, and his future in Pittsburgh is a topic of keen interest and speculation.
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