Steelers Might Have QB Competition Brewing
PITTSBURGH -- Do the Pittsburgh Steelers have a quarterback competition on their hands? Despite making it clear early in the offseason that Mitch Trubisky would back up Kenny Pickett, the team has to be reviewing the tape and seeing a clear winner in the preseason opener - and it wasn't Trubisky.
It was Mason Rudolph.
It's been a full season since Rudolph was the backup quarterback in Pittsburgh, and coming into the summer, it felt kind of strange that he decided to return for another season. Many assumed he didn't get the offer he was looking for in free agency, and some speculate he didn't get any offers at all.
So heading into training camp, the buzz was more: 'could Tanner Morgan beat out Rudolph?' Not, 'could Rudolph beat out Trubisky?' But after a strong preseason opener for the third-string quarterback, that question is red hot.
Rudolph finished the Steelers' first exhibition, completing seven of his 12 passes for 132 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for 15, including a solid effort to pick up a first down on third down.
Meanwhile, Trubisky finished the game completing one of four passes for 10 yards and an interception. He had a 0.0 passer rating.
One preseason game isn't going to decide anything, but it isn't like Rudolph is an unproven rookie heading back to training camp. The sixth-year veteran has starting experience, a relationship with Pickett and familiarity with offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
It makes sense to move him up the depth chart if he outperforms Trubisky in the final two games.
The craziest part of this situation is that Trubisky has looked consistently impressive during training camp. He hasn't made many mistakes, has been strong with the deep ball, and overall just looked better than he did a year ago at this time. But once the game started, that all changed.
Nothing is going to be decided during the final week of training camp, but another game like he had in Tampa Bay against the Buffalo Bills, and there has to be a conversation about who Pickett's backup is this season.
Maybe the Steelers do have a quarterback competition brewing.
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