Mason Rudolph participated in the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers, but his recent performance, including a costly interception, has raised doubts about his future role. With the Steelers adding veteran Aaron Rodgers and rookie Will Howard this offseason, Rudolph’s playing time in the upcoming regular season appears limited.
During the second quarter against the Panthers, on a 1st and 10 situation, Rudolph attempted a downfield pass that was intercepted by Panthers safety Latham Ransom. This turnover highlighted questions about Rudolph’s decision-making and ball security, intensifying concerns for Steelers fans and analysts alike.
Despite the interception, Rudolph completed 6-of-8 passes for 36 yards in the game, helping the Steelers secure a 19-10 win over Carolina, coached by Dave Canales.
Background on Mason Rudolph’s NFL Journey and Recent Performance
Mason Rudolph was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 2018 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft and served primarily as a backup quarterback for five seasons. Over those years, he appeared in 21 games, accumulating 3,085 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. Following the 2023 season, he signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans, backing up Will Levis and seeing action in eight games with 1,530 yards and nine touchdown passes.
In March 2024, Rudolph returned to Pittsburgh on a two-year deal but now faces stiff competition for playing time behind Aaron Rodgers and the newly acquired rookie Will Howard.
Expert Analysis Highlights Aaron Rodgers’ Vital Role Amid Doubts About Rudolph
NFL analyst Kevin Smith expressed concerns about Rudolph’s preseason showing, particularly focusing on the interception against Carolina. Smith pointed out specific mistakes in Rudolph’s reads during passing plays, underlining the Steelers’ reliance on Aaron Rodgers to maintain health and lead the team effectively.
“Second week in a row Mason Rudolph throws a bad interception vs cover-3. Last week he didn’t feel the corner squeeze a skinny post. This time he doesn’t see the flat defender drop under the over route. From a clean pocket. With a checkdown receiver available. Steelers really need Aaron Rodgers to stay healthy…”
—Kevin Smith, NFL Analyst
Looking Ahead: Steelers’ Season Opener and What’s Next for the Quarterback Role
The Steelers will travel to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Jets in their season opener on September 7 at 1 p.m. ET. With Rudolph’s preseason struggles and the arrivals of Rodgers and Howard, the depth chart at quarterback remains uncertain, making Rodgers’ health and performance crucial to the team’s success this season.
As the Steelers prepare to start their campaign on the road, fans and analysts will closely monitor how the quarterback situation develops, particularly in light of Rudolph’s recent interception and overall preseason inconsistencies.
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