4 reasons the Steelers are comfortable with Rudolph starting in 2021

Better play

Now granted this was only one game, but Rudolph looked like a low-end starting quarterback against the Browns. He threw for over 300 yards and had a pair of touchdowns to just one interception. As well, he showed some decent pocket awareness even when he was getting pressured. Despite playing a playoff team, Rudolph came out firing and looking to win the game as opposed to just getting through the game.

Even better, Rudolph was flinging some deep passes against the Browns. While they weren’t perfect, the offense ran far better last week than it did during its 4.5 game slump that led to three consecutive losses. This doesn’t mean that Rudolph needs to be made the starter this week, but it shows that he can be a legitimate starter for this offense.

In all honesty, his game against the Browns rivaled any of the games he has started so far in his career and should provide hope that he can at least be a transition quarterback for the Steelers if Roethlisberger retires. He can move the ball with his arm and can lead an offense to success. While far from perfect, his play against the Browns showed serious progression from last season. You can’t ask for much more from a young quarterback that was rushed into action.