The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a season the place they gained 10 video games and made the playoffs as they shuffled by means of three completely different quarterbacks. One-and-done within the postseason won’t sound like an accomplishment, however for this group with that offense, rather a lot much less was anticipated. Understanding the struggles on the QB place in 2023, it’s slightly unusual to listen to the Steelers aren’t prone to pursue one other veteran QB that might problem for the beginning job subsequent season.
Kenny Pickett was drafted to be the successor to Ben Roethlisberger, however that transition hasn’t gone as easily as head coach Mike Tomlin and the entrance workplace had hoped. Now there appears to be a cut up of allegiances inside the group after Mason Rudolph went 3-0 because the starter late within the 12 months and helped Pittsburgh earn a playoff berth. Huge Ben additionally added gas to this hearth again in December when commenting on his time as a teammate with Rudolph.
“When Mason performed for me, I used to be attempting to assist Mason as a lot as I might,” Roethlisberger shared on his “Footbahlin’” podcast on Dec. 31. “Then he simply he by no means… he didn’t need my assist anymore, so I backed off,” Roethlisberger stated.
These feedback apart, the Steelers have already got a QB battle heading into subsequent season and the brand new NFL 12 months doesn’t even formally begin till subsequent month. And let’s not overlook Mitchell Trubisky was beforehand concerned as nicely — he began a few video games final season that resulted in shedding efforts. Pickett and Rudolph each ended the season with successful data as QB1 for Pittsburgh.
Whereas Rudolph has been in Pittsburgh for some time and performed nicely, he’s been round for some time. He was a third-round choose in 2018 out of Oklahoma State. That is purported to be Pickett’s time though some would say he hasn’t truly claimed it. That’s a good argument as Pickett, whereas successful some video games, hasn’t taken full command of the offense in some folks’s eyes.
Pittsburgh did take a step in the precise path midseason after they determined to half methods with former offensive coordinator Matt Canada. Their offense had been stale and underperforming for a while. Regardless of transferring on from Canada some really feel the Steelers aren’t precisely set for the long run at QB. Positive, Rudolph performed nicely down the stretch and Pickett is seen because the chosen one. But when there’s a veteran QB on the market which may provide you with a greater probability, generally you’ve bought to go towards the grain.
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This franchise is thought for protection and working the ball. Whereas the protection continues to be on level, the times of successful solely primarily based on what your protection does every week are over. You’ve bought to have a QB who’s able to placing the group on his again a number of occasions every season. A man who can continuously make performs even below the worst of circumstances. It doesn’t need to be a top-five man however somebody in that 10-15 vary partnered with a stellar protection and succesful working sport can take you someplace.
It’s going to be onerous to make a run to the playoffs utilizing the identical method Tomlin and crew put in in ’23. And in that robust, AFC North division, and a deep convention, it’s solely going to get more durable while you don’t have a QB you may depend on each sport. If these inside the franchise are cut up on Pickett and Rudolph, then it’s onerous to be assured heading towards the ’24 marketing campaign.
Names like Kirk Cousins and Ryan Tannehill can be obtainable. Tannehill will seemingly be a lot additional down the checklist than Cousins, however the latter is coming off an Achilles tear. At his age (35) who is aware of what he’ll be when he returns? Tannehill is nearing the tip as nicely it will appear, though he would possibly have the ability to are available in and push the younger fellas in coaching camp. Baker Mayfield is one other title on the market coming off a powerful bounce-back 12 months in Tampa Bay — and he’s not even 30 but.
So, there are some skilled names on the market, however they aren’t assured to maneuver the needle. If Pittsburgh isn’t contemplating bringing in a veteran arm, they’d higher make certain they’ve bought the man in the home already. Whether or not it’s Rudolph or Pickett, one among them must step up and steal the highlight leaving little question for Tomlin transferring ahead.
