The Pittsburgh Steelers need to think youth when deciding on their third quarterback in 2018.
It’s a given that Ben Roethlisberger and Mason Rudolph will make the 2018 opening game roster. The Steelers usually keep three quarterbacks each season. So, the Training Camp battle between Landry Jones and Josh Dobbs will determine the final quarterback slot.
Keeping Josh Dobbs on the Steelers’ 53-man roster may be a minority view. But, hear me out. Josh Dobbs has more upside than Landry Jones. Since neither player is expected to see much action this year, the organization must evaluate potential.
Don’t get me wrong, I like Landry Jones. But, he doesn’t have much upside. Since joining the Steelers in 2014 his play has been so-so. He doesn’t provide the “wow factor.”
Dobbs played tougher competition in the SEC than Jones did in the wild-wild Big 12. The SEC is widely considered the toughest Division I football conference. Teams in the SEC play defense. Teams in the Big 12 have high-octane offenses, with defense being an afterthought. Therefore, Big 12 quarterback passing numbers are inflated and, don’t factor into my commentary.
Based on first preseason comparisons, Dobbs was statistically better:
According to Foxsports.com, in 2014, Landry Jones played in 3 preseason games: completing 30 of 66 passes for 348 yards, with 2 TDs and 3 INTs. His QB rating was 53.1%.
According to Foxsports.com, in 2017, Josh Dobbs played in 4 preseason games: completing 38 of 64 passes for 406 yards, with 2 TDs and 3 INTs. His QB rating was 68.9%.
The numbers don’t lie: Josh Dobbs threw 3 more completions (in less attempts), for more yardage, while accumulating a much higher QB rating than did Landry Jones in his first preseason.
What really separates Dobbs from Jones, is his ability to run the ball. Utsports.com states that in Dobbs’ 37-game college career he rushed for 2,160 yards and 32 TDs, at a 4.9 yards per carry clip. While Foxsports.com shows that Landry Jones managed a minus 375 rushing yards during his Oklahoma career.
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With the skills and athleticism of today’s defensive players a quarterback needs to be able to run for positive yardage. Josh Dobbs has demonstrated he can do that. He possesses an athletic prowess and physicality that Landry Jones doesn’t. Such attributes should make him a more dynamic player on the field. A player the Steelers should keep.