The Steelers might have a quarterback controversy \u2014 well, if you trust the internet, at least.<\/p>\n
After playing the first half against the Bengals on Sunday, Aaron Rodgers hurt his wrist and was replaced by Mason Rudolph for the entirety of the second.<\/p>\n
Both passers put up similar numbers in the win: Rodgers completed nine of 15 passes for 116 yards and touchdown; Rudolph was 12\/16 for 127 yards and a touchdown. Neither threw an interception.<\/p>\n
However, looking beyond the box score, it was clear Rudolph outperformed Rodgers. Excluding the end-of-game kneeldown, he led three less drives than Rodgers but still put up slightly better numbers overall, and he looked clearly more comfortable in the pocket.<\/p>\n
Who should start at quarterback against the Chicago Bears?<\/p>\n
While recent weeks have shown the gap between Rodgers and Rudolph isn\u2019t all that great, I still think the answer is clear: Rodgers is the starting quarterback, unless he\u2019s hurt \u2014 at all.<\/p>\n
Early-season Rodgers showed he could elevate the ceiling of the offense, but in recent weeks he\u2019s looked uncomfortable in the pocket, bailing out of good protection and struggling to push the ball deep. As the season has gone on, it\u2019s clearly taken a toll on the veteran passer.<\/p>\n
So, if Rodgers\u2019 wrist injury is indeed the slight break<\/a> it\u2019s reported to be, it should be Rudolph taking the field against Chicago.<\/p>\n