The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a season where they achieved 10 wins and secured a playoff spot despite rotating through three different quarterbacks. While a one-and-done playoff appearance may not seem like a significant accomplishment, given the challenges faced by the team’s offense, it surpassed expectations. Given the struggles at the quarterback position in 2023, it’s surprising to hear that the Steelers aren’t inclined to seek another experienced quarterback who could challenge for the starting role next season.
Although Kenny Pickett was drafted with the intention of succeeding Ben Roethlisberger, the transition hasn’t unfolded as smoothly as head coach Mike Tomlin and the front office had anticipated. There appears to be a division of loyalties within the organization, especially after Mason Rudolph’s successful 3-0 stint as the starter late in the season, which helped Pittsburgh clinch a playoff spot. Moreover, Ben Roethlisberger added to the speculation in December with his comments regarding his time as Rudolph’s teammate.
“When Mason played under my guidance, I made every effort to assist him,” Roethlisberger expressed on his “Footbahlin'” podcast on December 31. “However, he eventually seemed disinterested in my support, so I decided to step back,” Roethlisberger added.
Setting aside those remarks, the Steelers are already facing a quarterback competition as they head into the next season, and the official start of the new NFL year is still a month away. Let’s not overlook the involvement of Mitchell Trubisky either — he started a few games last season, all ending in losses. Pickett and Rudolph both had winning records as QB1 for Pittsburgh by the end of the season.
Although Rudolph has been with the Steelers for some time and has performed decently, he’s been around for a while. Drafted in 2018 out of Oklahoma State as a third-round pick, Rudolph is supposed to have his moment now, though some argue he hasn’t quite seized it. It’s a valid point, as while Pickett has won some games, he hasn’t fully taken control of the offense in the eyes of some observers.
Midseason, Pittsburgh took a positive step by parting ways with former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, as their offense had been stagnant and underperforming. Despite this change, some doubt whether the Steelers are truly prepared for the future at the quarterback position. While Rudolph performed admirably towards the end of the season and Pickett is seen as the future, sometimes opting for a veteran quarterback who could offer a better chance of success might be necessary, even if it goes against the conventional wisdom.
Stepping into a new age of NFL football
This franchise has built its reputation on strong defense and a solid running game. While the defense remains formidable, relying solely on defensive prowess to win games is no longer sufficient. Nowadays, you need a quarterback who can carry the team on his shoulders multiple times throughout the season, consistently making plays even in challenging situations. This quarterback doesn’t necessarily have to be a top-five player but should fall within the 10-15 range. Paired with a strong defense and a capable running game, such a quarterback can lead the team to success.
Following the formula that Tomlin and his team implemented in 2023 will likely prove challenging to replicate for a playoff run in the upcoming season. Given the competitiveness of the AFC North division and the depth of the conference, not having a reliable quarterback will only exacerbate these challenges. If there’s internal division within the franchise regarding Pickett and Rudolph, it’s difficult to feel confident heading into the 2024 campaign.
Names like Kirk Cousins and Ryan Tannehill will be on the market. Tannehill may not be as sought after as Cousins, especially considering his age and recent Achilles tear. At 35, there’s uncertainty about how he’ll perform upon his return. While Tannehill may be approaching the twilight of his career, he could still provide valuable mentorship and competition for the younger quarterbacks during training camp. Another option is Baker Mayfield, who had a remarkable comeback season in Tampa Bay and is still under 30 years old.
Although there are seasoned quarterbacks available, there’s no guarantee that they will significantly impact the team’s performance. If Pittsburgh opts not to pursue a veteran quarterback, they must have full confidence in their current options. Whether it’s Rudolph or Pickett, one of them needs to step up and seize the spotlight, leaving no doubt for Tomlin and the coaching staff moving forward.
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