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Why Steelers Mason Rudolph should be given a shot at redemption

By Jobe Morrison

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams on November 10, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams on November 10, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is sacked by DeForest Buckner #99 and Kwon Alexander #56 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium on September 22, 2019, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 22: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is sacked by DeForest Buckner #99 and Kwon Alexander #56 of the San Francisco 49ers in the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium on September 22, 2019, in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Terrible offensive coordinator/coaching production

If you follow me on Twitter, you know how much I dislike Mr. Fichtner. Make no mistake, Mason wasn’t perfect–but when you have the incompetency that Fichtner displayed throughout the season some of those shortcomings could be explained.

Want to know how I know this? A few quick examples (and I have many.)

-Running the same. Exact. Play three times in a row (toss to the left out of shotgun) against the Patriots. Let’s also not forget him admitting he got away from his game plan (hence the return of the counter toss.)
–Holton only the receiver on the field–all but twice did I see only runs called. I get it, it’s your heavy set package… but come on! Put someone out there that will keep the defense honest.
-I, an average spectator, can watch the film and frequently predict his calls every down in real-time.

You can sit here and say “loss of talent,” “loss of starting QB,” etc. A good offensive coordinator does do what I have mentioned. He only opened things up when they were in big-time trouble (see at Cleveland and Cincinnati.)

Here is the thing, since the Steelers are not going to be letting Fichtner go, they will have to bring on another coach who can both help Mason’s development and ultimately help with Fichtner’s plate.

I’m willing to give Fichtner the benefit of the doubt–I am almost certain he and Ben developed game plans. At that point, he sends the personnel in and gave Ben 3 calls; giving Ben the freedom to check-in and out of plays (something different from Haley’s regime.) He was in over his head when Ben went down.

Coaching can be a huge difference in developing a young QB. Ben and Peyton Manning had Bruce Arians, Jared Goff found his footing with Sean McVay, and Brett Favre had Mike Holgrem once he went to Green Bay.

Those are big names, I get that, but they all had a strong quarterback coach or offensive-minded head coach with the strong offensive coaching staff. 2019’s lackluster offensive coaching did not do Rudolph any favors–at all. Hopefully, Tomlin will see this and add much-needed help.

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