As Steelers Struggle, Can A Confident Mason Rudolph Turn It Around In Week 16?

The Pittsburgh Steelers, once synonymous with success and stability, find themselves in the midst of a turbulent season. Their most recent 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts is just another chapter in their struggles. The team faces a massive stumbling block this season as starting quarterback Kenny Pickett has had to undergo surgery for a high ankle sprain, leaving the team in the hands of backup Mitch Trubisky. The league’s highest-paid backup QB however, has come under fire as of late. This has led to Head Coach Mike Tomlin naming Mason Rudolph as the team's starter ahead of Week 16 against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

The Steelers' search for redemption continues as they gear up to face the Bengals on December 23. Rudolph hasn't started a game since 2021, but per Tomlin, a change is needed in an effort for this team to score more points moving forward. The Bengals, currently standing at 8-6, are on a three-game winning streak following a hard-fought 27-24 overtime victory against the Minnesota Vikings last Saturday. They are on an upward trajectory, which does not bode well for the struggling Steelers. For more insights and to find the most reliable NFL betting tips for this week, check out SportyTrader’s comprehensive previews and predictions from their NFL experts. 

With Pickett out, Trubisky has been thrust into the starting role for two consecutive weeks. Unfortunately, though, his performances have been far from reassuring. Against the Colts, he completed 16-of-23 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown, but two interceptions and three sacks marred his stat line and echoed his subpar showing in the previous week against the New England Patriots. Following which, fans began to express their dissatisfaction on social media.

However, the Steelers’ on-field struggles with Trubisky are certainly not a new occurrence. Last season, Coach Tomlin benched Trubisky during a Week 4 loss to the New York Jets, but despite a brief resurgence later in the 2022 season, the stand-in quarterback’s recent performances have reignited the debate on whether he is the right fit for the team. The quarterback conundrum in Pittsburgh has become an enigma, with the front office's decision to extend Trubisky's contract coming under scrutiny. Many feel that the money invested in him does not align with his on-field performance, and the faith in him appears fractured and is descending rapidly. Trubisky's struggles are multi-faceted - ranging from a lack of trust in his mechanics to slow processing and accuracy issues. Until Pickett is healthy enough to play again, Rudolph appears to be the best choice.

Steelers Defense Also In Trouble

Still, it is somewhat unfair to blame the Steelers' dip in performance solely on the QB. Their defense is notably struggling due to injuries, and despite having explosive edge rushers in Alex Highsmith and T.J. Watt, the team's defensive scheme has been failing to provide adequate support, leaving Trubisky vulnerable far too often. Overall, the slowness of their defense has allowed opponents to exploit their weaknesses with relative ease, making it essential for the Steelers to address concerns on both ends of the game if they intend to re-find their competitive edge. 

So, how is this likely to pan out? Well, it is becoming increasingly clear that Trubisky's stay in Pittsburgh could be heading toward a premature end, and benching him for Rudolph creates a rift between the player and team that is often quite difficult to repair. The apparent lack of faith from the coaching staff, front office, and the stands, coupled with his on-field struggles, suggests that the Steelers may be approaching a tough decision to part ways with QB in the offseason. Rudolph now has nothing to lose and will hope to give this team a much needed spark.