Devlin Hodges earned respect, proved starting capabilities in loss to Baltimore

When Mason Rudolph went down, Devlin Hodges answered the call. Although Hodges still ultimately fell short without a victory, his performance warrants respect moving forward.

Leading up to Sunday's contest between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, many questions aimed at players/coaches on both sides of the rivalry were quick to point out the change in faces and names, yet the intensity still exists between the two teams. "They are still the same old Pittsburgh" said Ravens linebacker Pernell McPhee. 

Except they weren't truly the same old Pittsburgh team, at least not with Ben Roethlisberger on the field, and surely not halfway through the third quarter of Sunday's game when Mason Rudolph was knocked out with a concussion. 

Enter: Devlin Hodges. 

The third-string, duck-calling, fan favorite quarterback likely didn't see himself being thrown in the middle of one of the league's greatest rivalries for his first taste of NFL action. Not the play before Rudolph departed, not that week of practice, or even after he was sent to waivers following the Steelers' final preseason game. 

Yet the undrafted rookie free agent didn't flinch when his number was called, going 7/9 on passing attempts for 68 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Hodges was able to keep the Steelers offense marching when needed, leading the Steelers to two scoring drives through a quarter and a half of regulation time. 

"I had the full gameplan" said Hodges in post-game interviews. "I tell ya'll that each and every week that I feel comfortable and confident. We didn't hold back at all". 

Although the sample size is small, the few throws from Hodges give encouragement for his abilities as a passer moving forward. 

Nice play by Hodges to stand in the pocket with pressure and still be able to deliver this ball. Nothing overly impressive about this throw, but Hodges showed he’s further along then some originally thought. pic.twitter.com/UsoSARPB8b

— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) October 7, 2019

He can also use his legs as well. 

Duck also has some wheels on him 👀 good awareness to step up in the pocket and find the green grass in front of him. Not every play has to be a deep bomb, take what they give you. pic.twitter.com/WEHx5AgBEz

— Donnie Druin (@DonnieDruin) October 7, 2019

The status of Rudolph moving forward remains cloudy, though it's expected he'll miss some time after being placed in the league's concussion protocol. Although Tomlin has yet to comment on the status at starting quarterback for Pittsburgh's meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football, it's presumed either Hodges or current practice squad quarterback Paxton Lynch will assume starting duties. 

Some will point to Lynch's experience and favor that, though Lynch has only played in five games since being drafted in 2016, with his last appearance coming in 2017. With Hodges proving he not only knows the offense but also proving he can march them down the field, he's earned the respect of teammates, fans and likely his coaching staff moving forward. 

Here's to the next episode of Duck Dynasty.