{"id":98742,"date":"2025-06-02T19:10:10","date_gmt":"2025-06-02T19:10:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/98742\/"},"modified":"2025-06-02T19:10:10","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T19:10:10","slug":"pittsburgh-steelers-qb-mason-rudolph-is-more-than-capable-of-starting-in-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/98742\/","title":{"rendered":"Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph is more than capable of starting in 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

Before we delve into this take, I want to mention at least the elephant in the room: I still think Aaron Rodgers is likely to be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers<\/a>. But recent takes from national analysts have me wanting to touch on this idea that the Steelers would be the bottom dweller in the AFC North with Mason Rudolph.<\/p>\n

CBS NFL analyst Pete Prisco<\/a> went as far to say that Rudolph \u201cstinks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMason Rudolph, not very good,\u201d Prisco said. I\u2019ll be honest with you, he\u2019s a backup quarterback. By National Football League standards, he stinks.\u201d <\/p>\n

Prisco also said if Rudolph is the starter, Mike Tomlin\u2019s not having a winning record this year.<\/p>\n

Personally, I\u2019d be shocked if that\u2019s the case. <\/p>\n

The first bit of evidence I\u2019d point to is Rudolph\u2019s 2023 end-of-season run with the black and gold. After Kenny Pickett was injured and eventually benched, Rudolph started the final three games of the season. During that span, his passer rating was 118, which was the best in the league at the time. <\/p>\n

He threw for 719 yards, three TDs, and no interceptions in wins over the Cincinnati Bengals<\/a>, Seattle Seahawks<\/a>, and Baltimore Ravens<\/a>, respectively, which ultimately led to an unlikely playoff berth. <\/p>\n

After a short one-year stint in Tennessee, the Steelers were quick to bring back the signal-caller they were familiar with. Both parties appear to be very happy about the decision. <\/p>\n

\u201cYou know, I\u2019ve got a lot of great friends and teammates here, a lot of comfortability with (head coach) Mike (Tomlin) and the staff, and (general manager) Omar (Khan) put together a great roster,\u201d Rudolph said<\/a>. \u201cWho wouldn\u2019t want to be a part of this team and this offense?\u201d<\/p>\n

It makes sense considering he\u2019s led the Steelers to an 8-4-1 record in 13 starts throughout six seasons in the Burgh, primarily backing up Hall of Fame signal caller Ben Roethlisberger. He\u2019s not a rookie or unproven young quarterback who still has to prove himself that he can play.<\/p>\n

Many detractors will point to his stats in Tennessee last year, throwing just 9 TDs to 9 INTs, but that was a mess of an offense and team, so it\u2019s difficult to put the blame on his shoulders. <\/p>\n

Steeler fans, how much longer are you willing to wait for Rodgers? It may be time to officially give Mason Rudolph a real shot. pic.twitter.com\/3AxoKf1Ket<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SteelerNation (@steelernation) June 2, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

The Steelers are not a mess of a team. <\/p>\n

Since Rudolph\u2019s departure, they have a better offensive coordinator in Arthur Smith, a better WR1 in DK Metcalf, and a much-improved offensive line. <\/p>\n

I’m not saying he\u2019s going to be a knight in shining armor who will guide the Steelers to a Lombardi trophy – but the idea that they will be an awful team if he\u2019s the starting quarterback is an uninformed, and quite frankly, abysmal take. <\/p>\n

Right now, major sportsbooks have set the Steelers\u2019 win total at 8.5. This will likely change if Rodgers is signed. But if he isn\u2019t – I think it\u2019s a fair line for Rudolph. He\u2019s capable of continuing Mike Tomlin\u2019s streak of no losing seasons. I understand that\u2019s not the ultimate goal, but it\u2019s far from futile. <\/p>\n