Steelers Mason Rudolph’s stellar play and what it could mean moving forward

During the Steelers 26-28 loss at home to the Seattle Seahawks, Ben Roethlisberger left the game in the second quarter with an apparent elbow injury leaving Mason Rudolph with a huge task.

Steelers Mason Rudolph had the duty of not only filling in for the future Hall of Fame quarterback but also to come away with a win against a tough NFC West opponent. Not to mention today’s game was Rudolph’s regular season debut.

Mason Rudolph’s performance was a glance into the possible future of the Steelers franchise, and he did not disappoint.

Mason Rudolph’s Week 2 performance

Mason Rudolph got off to a shaky start, due to his receivers inability to make a catch. Donte Moncrief, in particular, had a dropped pass that turned into an interception. This very well could have been the turning point in the game, even though the Steelers did get plenty of opportunities down the stretch.

After that play, however, it was a turning point for Rudolph as well. The Steelers former third round pick in the 2018 NFL draft, ended up completing 12 of his 19 pass attempts for a total of 112 yards, and two touchdowns on the day. All throughout his performance, the Oklahoma State alumni was cool, calm, and collected in the pocket: he also, flashed some mobility outside the pocket against the Seahawks.

Unfortunately, Rudolph’s stellar play was not enough. Seattle ended up picking up a crucial fourth and one toward the end of the fourth quarter, disallowing Rudolph a chance to deliver a game winning drive.

What could Ben Roethlisberger’s injury mean going forward?

At this point, there is no word on whether Roethlisberger will be out an extended period of time, or if keeping him out of today’s game was just the Steelers being cautious with their thirty-seven year old quarterback.

Let’s say Ben is out an extended period of time though, and Mason Rudolph shines as I anticipate he will. This puts the Steelers in an awkward position when Roethlisberger does indeed come back healthy.

The question has to be asked in this hypothetical scenario, who will start when Ben Roethlisberger returns from injury. I want to point out; this would not be the first time a young quarterback in the league outplayed a veteran quarterback for his starting position.

Just ask former players such as Brett Farve, Drew Bledsoe, and Pittsburgh’s very own former quarterback Tommy Maddox. Ben Roethlisberger actually got his first chance when Maddox had ligament damage in his right elbow.

Conclusion

Could Ben Roethlisberger lose his starting quarterback position the same way he earned it? There is always a chance this is the way things play out, but I want to reiterate the point of not knowing the severity of Roethlisberger’s elbow injury. Let us hope that this injury does turn out to be anything serious, and Roethlisberger returns to his old, gun-slinging self.

Regardless the Steelers should feel good about putting their faith in Mason Rudolph in the future who proved today, that he is on track to become the heir to Roethlisberger’s throne in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.