The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 on Saturday afternoon, giving them a 10-7 regular-season record. A big reason for their late-season surge has been Mason Rudolph’s emergence.
His performance has also raised another question, though. With Kenny Pickett back healthy but Rudolph playing so well, what do the Steelers do?
Pittsburgh’s Quarterback Controversy
Coming into this game, the Steelers decided to play Rudolph over Pickett as a way to roll with the hot hand. Under Rudolph’s lead, the Steelers have gone 3-0. Against the Ravens, he threw for 152 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions.
Pickett suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 13. He received surgery to repair the injury, which kept him out.
He was officially healthy in Week 17, but the Steelers have opted to roll with Rudolph. If the Steelers make the playoffs, and maybe beyond, they will have to make an important decision.
On the season, Rudolph has passed for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. On the flip side, Pickett has played in 12 games, passing for 2,070 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions.
“Rudolph’s done a nice job,” said head coach Mike Tomlin. Prior to playing this season, Rudolph had not started more than one game since 2019. “When we put him in the lineup, he has an unshakable confidence in himself. It’s real.”
Against the Ravens, Rudolph didn’t have his strongest outing, struggling with the rainy weather conditions. However, with the game on the line, he connected with Diontae Johnson for a 71-yard touchdown, giving the Steelers a lead they wouldn’t give up again.
“It was the most challenging weather I’ve had to deal with in my career,” said Rudolph.
DIONTAE JOHNSON. 71 YARDS. FOR THE LEAD.
📺: #PITvsBAL on ESPN/ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/WxnOXJY8R6 pic.twitter.com/BjXNi3SPGM— NFL (@NFL) January 6, 2024
Rudolph was taken in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, spending his entire career thus far with the Steelers. Pickett, on the other hand, was taken in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Rudolph, who is 28 years old, is currently on a one-year deal with the Steelers, meaning he will be a free agent after 2023.
“I’m enjoying each day, whether it’s practice or visiting you guys [The Media],” said Rudolph. “I’m just so thankful and grateful for the opportunity.”
MORE: Pittsburgh Steelers Depth Chart
When looking at his career as a whole, Rudolph is playing the best football of his career. In his career, he has thrown for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Rudolph currently has a career-high completion percentage (74.3%). He’s had a passer rating of over 100 in each of his starts.
In 2023-24, Rudolph has the second-most 60-yard touchdown passes in the NFL. He has had three and is only behind Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins. Ten other players are tied behind him with two.
Pickett’s career has been short, but it has not lived up to his draft position. He has played in 25 career games, passing for just 4,474 yards, 13 TDs, and 13 INTs. Pickett’s rookie contract is a four-year deal worth $14.1 million, with a fifth-year option.
Beyond just Pickett and Rudolph, the Steelers also have Mitch Trubisky. Trubisky signed a two-year deal worth $14.285 million ahead of the 2022 NFL season. Trubisky has had action in five games this season, passing for 632 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. He was benched in favor of Rudolph in Week 15.
With a win, the Steelers will now wait to see if they earn a playoff spot. They will need either a Buffalo Bills loss, a Jacksonville Jaguars loss, or an Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans tie. If none of those happen, the Steelers will be eliminated from playoff contention and begin their offseason.
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