Mason likely gets about one more major shot at proving himself.......either a season where big Ben is hurt and gives Mason at least 5 or 6 games to prove himself, or perhaps a one season competition between himself and maybe a more equally talented qb. I'd love to see him make it and have the chance to improve in the actual fires of being a starter, but he better be fully ready this time. A better qb IMO, Brandon Weeden got a couple rounds of shots at becoming a trusted starting qb and couldn't pull it off. It's a tough row to hoe and your team situation affects it so much (Cleveland now vs when Weeden was there).
Photo by Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Oklahoma State Football
Rudolph Working To Become the Starting Quarterback in Pittsburgh
With the uncertainty of how much time Ben Roethlisberger has left in his career, Mason Rudolph is trying to take the next step in becoming the starting quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"That's my goal, to be a starting quarterback in this league and for our team, and I'm working toward that goal every single day," Rudolph said when asked about taking over for Ben Roethlisberger. "I can only control myself and the way I prepare and the way I approach and play in OTAs and [training] camp, and that's on the forefront of my mind.”
Rudolph was drafted by the Steelers in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has been the primary back up for the Steelers and Big Ben since. Rudolph saw action in just three games this past season, starting in week 17 against the Browns and going 22-of-39 for 315 yards and two touchdowns and an interception. HE finished the season going 25-of-43 for 324 yards with two touchdowns and an interception.
He saw considerable action in the 2019 season as he played in 10 games, starting in eight, and going 176-of-283 for 1,765 yards with 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
With Roethlisberger turning 39 this past March, with arm strength, mobility and health and major question mark going into this season, there’s no question the Steelers are going to need to find the heir apparent in Pittsburgh.
"I'm not worried about '22 or anything like that,” said Rudolph. “I'm trying to live in the moment and be the best I can for my team."
The Steelers signed Rudolph to a one-year extension through the 2022 season worth $5 million, making Rudolph the only Steelers’ quarterback on contract through the ’22 season. The Steelers did, however, add former Washington quarterback Dwayne Haskins in free agency, and re-sign long-time backup Josh Dobbs, both to just one-year deals. So, it seems they’re looking at the 2021 seasons as a bit of a competition.
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