A healthy Mason Rudolph would likely have passed for +2600 yards and 20 TDs in 2019–matching what Ryan Tannehill did in Tennessee.
In 2019, 2nd year QB Mason Rudolph started eight games for the injury-plagued Pittsburgh Steelers, replaced for several weeks by rookie Devin Hodges.
The Steelers went 8-8 in 2019, and mediocre performances at QB has many fans upset. Emotions aside, there’s a case to be made for retaining Rudolph. He played far better than his numbers and showed flashes of what it takes to be a starting NFL QB.
Consider the game versus eventual NFC champion, San Francisco. Rudolph led the Steelers to a 20-17 lead late in the 4th quarter, but James Connor’s fumble gave the 49ers just enough time to score the game-winning touchdown. Rudolph, on the other hand, didn’t have enough time to reciprocate. Pittsburgh lost by four.
Rudolph played well in a 27-3 win against the Bengals, and momentum from that win carried over into a pivotal home contest with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. In a tough battle that the Steelers arguably should have won, Rudolph was knocked unconscious late in the 3rd quarter, replaced by Hodges. Pittsburgh dropped the game, 26-23, in OT.
Courtesy: NBC Sports
With Rudolph on concussion protocol, Hodges started against the Chargers, and the Steelers won easily. Rudolph returned and won against the Dolphins, Colts, and the Rams. The Browns’ game brought him national attention–the infamous helmet hit involving Myles Garrett. Rudolph played inconsistently that day, throwing four interceptions, but gaining +200 yards for the game. The performance difference was line protection.
Rudolph was replaced by Hodges again in Week 12 against the Bengals, but both played. Statistically, they performed almost identically with Hodges having +33 passing yards and a -5% completion percentage. Hodges and Rudolph both leaned on the rush against Cincy.
That’s when Hodges won the starting role. The team beat the Browns and Cardinals with the defense showing the way, but then lost a home game to the tough Bills. Josh Allen outplayed Hodges that day.
Rudolph’s final appearance last year was against the Jets. He relieved an ineffective Hodges but left the game quickly because of a shoulder injury.
Courtesy: Sports Illustrated
What’s the bottom line? My take is that the Steelers would have had a 9-5 record with a healthy Mason Rudolph under center–with additional wins chalked up by Rudolph against the Ravens in the first meeting, Chargers, Browns, Cardinals, and Jets. I also believe he would have passed for well over 2600 yards and 20 TD–matching what Ryan Tannehill did in Tennessee.
Tannehill just received a massive contract, so why isn’t Mason Rudolph being given the same opportunity?
My advice? Steelers, take a hard, long look at Mason Rudolph. He could very well be your quarterback of the future.
