The Pittsburgh Steelers made a quarterback change halfway through the Bengals game last week. Here’s why Devlin Hodges will get the start against the Browns.
Most Steelers fans around the globe heard good news today: Devlin Hodges has officially been named the starting quarterback for this Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Adam Schefter of ESPN broke the news on Twitter:
Steelers make it official and announce QB Devlin Hodges will start Sunday vs. Cleveland.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 26, 2019
Mason Rudolph had been Pittsburgh’s starter at quarterback in all but one game since Ben Roethlisberger went down for the season with an elbow injury. However, things have gone well for the second-year signal-caller.
Rudolph had the worst game of his career two weeks ago on Thursday Night Football against the Browns. He managed to throw 4 interceptions and capped off a dreadful performance with a fight with Myles Garrett in the ailing seconds of the game.
Last week, Rudolph had a chance to redeem himself against the 32nd ranked Bengals defense. However, he was only able to muster up 3 points through two quarters of play. Mike Tomlin made the decision to turn to quarterback Devlin Hodges mid-game and it paid out. The undrafted rookie threw a 79-yard touchdown pass to James Washington on his first drive and helped lead the Steelers to their 6th victory of the season.
While it was clear that Hodges outplayed Rudolph last week, we were still waiting for confirmation that the former Duck Call Champion would start this week against the Browns. Now, that affirmation has finally come.
Rudolph had not progressed much since becoming a starter for the Steelers back in Week 3, and a change seemed to be overdue. The Oklahoma State product is just the 36th ranked quarterback this season with an upsetting overall grade of 50.1, according to Pro Football Focus.
Though many of us will have high expectations for Hodges, it is important to remember that he is an undrafted rookie with just one start and three appearances under his belt.
The Steelers need to find a way to keep their playoff hopes alive as they currently sit on the final wild-card spot. Pittsburgh already possesses an elite defense. Let’s hope the change at quarterback will be enough to take them to new heights this season.