The Pittsburgh Steelers, a team renowned for their grit and resilience, managed to claw their way into the NFL playoffs last season with a commendable 10-7 record. Their journey, however, met a swift end at the hands of the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.
Despite boasting elite defensive talents and one of the league’s most enviable skill position groups, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves at a crossroads, primarily due to their unsettled quarterback situation.
Unsettling Quarterback Carousel
Throughout the 2023 season, the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ offensive endeavors were hampered by the inconsistent performances of their quarterbacks. Kenny Pickett, despite being a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, struggled to ignite the offense, averaging a mere 6.2 adjusted yards per pass attempt. Mason Rudolph, on the other hand, managed to win all three games he started but did little to prove he’s more than a backup-level talent, with a career-adjusted yards per attempt average of 6.5. Mitchell Trubisky’s stint was notably lackluster, losing both games he played, which effectively sealed his fate away from Pittsburgh.
A Controversial Strategy for 2024
Recent reports from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette have shed light on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ potential quarterback strategy for the upcoming season, and it will not likely please the fanbase.
Veteran reporter Gerry Dulac has suggested that the Pittsburgh Steelers are considering bringing back both Rudolph and Pickett as their primary options, with a particular inclination toward Rudolph as the starter. This decision stems from Rudolph’s performance in his three wins last season, seemingly overshadowing Pickett’s struggles.
The notion of not pursuing an external quarterback to lead the team in 2024 has added fuel to the fire. This strategy suggests a complacency within the Pittsburgh Steelers’ management, opting to stick with two quarterbacks whose performances have been anything but reassuring.
Arthur Smith, the new offensive coordinator, has hinted at giving Pickett the initial opportunity to lead, yet this does little to alleviate concerns about the team’s long-term quarterback vision.
The Steelers could have fixed their backup quarterback problems. No controversy. Hometown hero. pic.twitter.com/MbKER4jmqa
— Brian Keller (@bkonhoops) August 26, 2015
The Implications of Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB Strategy
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ reluctance to aggressively seek a quarterback upgrade is a puzzling decision, given the talent surrounding the quarterback position. With players capable of producing elite-level performances, the current quarterback plan risks wasting another year of potential. This approach could very well keep Pittsburgh in a state of limbo—good enough to compete but not sufficiently equipped to challenge for the Super Bowl.
The heart of the issue lies in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ willingness to settle for mediocrity at the quarterback position. As Dulac’s report suggests, the preference for Rudolph over a potential new signing indicates a strategic choice that could enrage the Pittsburgh fanbase. It’s a gamble that may keep the Pittsburgh Steelers on the playoff fringes without realistically threatening for higher honors.
Conclusion: A Tense Offseason Ahead
As the Pittsburgh Steelers navigate this offseason, the quarterback dilemma remains their most pressing concern. The decision to potentially start Mason Rudolph over Kenny Pickett or not to pursue a new quarterback talent altogether is a strategy fraught with risk. It’s a move that not only questions the franchise’s ambition but also risks alienating a passionate fanbase eager for a return to the NFL’s summit.
In Pittsburgh, a city synonymous with football excellence, settling for less is never an option. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback strategy for 2024 will undoubtedly be a defining moment for the franchise, one that could either vindicate the faith in Rudolph and Pickett or deepen the longing for what might have been with a more ambitious approach.
