Steelers in unique spot with backup quarterback play

There are two backup quarterbacks in Pittsburgh and the Steelers need to avoid the traditional route when competing them against each other.

Mason Rudolph needed to find confidence last season. As a rookie in the NFL, he felt the bug many do, including his Oklahoma State teammate James Washington. Not everyone comes in the league and immediate contributes. 

It was the case with Rudolph, much like his backup competitor Josh Dobbs. The two saw very similar rookie years; neither could find the transition easy and needed the year to improve. Which they did. 

Rudolph has come into OTAs looking sharp. If he's found his feet in the NFL, he's a real threat for the future of the league. He has the arm strength, the knowledge and the natural talent. All he needs is to be able to put it all together. 

But this doesn't mean Josh Dobbs isn't going to make it. Despite being a lower draft pick the year before, Dobbs looks good last preseason. He was determined and played with grit. He may not be as naturally gifted as Rudolph, but if he continues to play with the same chip he did last year, you can't rule him out of making a name for himself in the pros. 

So, how do they handle it? Simple - they compete without being awarded a second and third spot. Because even if there are three quarterbacks in Pittsburgh, none of them are a third-stringer.