In 2018, the Pittsburgh Steelers were coming off a remarkable 13-3, 2017 regular season, but their playoff journey was cut short with a loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. During this time, the Steelers' quarterback situation took an interesting turn as they drafted Mason Rudolph in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft from Oklahoma State. This selection raised eyebrows, especially considering Ben Roethlisberger's role as the established starting quarterback and the urgency to improve the roster to help the Steelers orchestrate a championship season.
Matthew Sunday
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger (#7) and Mason Rudolph (#2) stand on the field during training camp.
On Sunday, during the game against the Seattle Seahawks, Roethlisberger live-streamed his commentary of the game on his podcast, Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger. Roethlisberger candidly discussed his initial reaction to the draft pick.
"I didn't have an issue with Mason when he got drafted, I had more of an issue with the pick."
Roethlisberger's concern wasn't about Rudolph personally, but rather, the timing of the pick, given the team's strong position from the previous season and the urgency to build an improved team around the expiring Roethlisberger.
"We were still a team that was competing. I was not worried about him taking my job, that was not an issue for me. I felt in the moment that we could have drafted a position, offense or defense, that could have helped us. Not a guy that was going to be a potential backup and maybe have the job in the future."
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers retired quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (#7) runs on the field to warm up prior to a 2021 regular season game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Quarterbacks Had An Interesting Relationship
Roethlisberger's expanded on his relationship with Rudolph during their time together on the team. He explained that he initially tried to assist Rudolph, as he had with other quarterbacks, but it seemed that Rudolph wasn't interested in his guidance.
"When Mason played with me, I tried to help him as much as I could. Then he didn't want my help anymore, so I backed off."
This revelation sheds light on the dynamics between the two quarterbacks. Roethlisberger's approach was different with Devlin Hodges, who actively sought guidance from the veteran quarterback.
"Duck came in. And Duck asked for my help, so I helped as much as I could. I didn't have an issue with Mason as a person. Mason used me the first game, and then he backed away and started doing his own thing, and I was completely fine with that. Duck stayed, and maybe that's why me and him have such a great relationship," Roethlisberger added.
Despite the past strains in their relationship, Roethlisberger didn't hold back his support for Rudolph's recent success. Rudolph's performance in the past two games has been impressive, leading the Steelers to back-to-back victories and scoring 30 or more points in each game. This offensive resurgence has been a welcome development for Steeler Nation, a group that had witnessed struggles on that side of the ball for the majority of the season.
Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph celebrates a touchdown giving a fist bump to receiver Diontae Johnson during a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019.
Roethlisberger's honest reflection on his relationship with Rudolph and his genuine support for his success paints a more nuanced picture of their interactions during their time together as teammates. Rudolph's recent performances are providing hope for the Steelers as they continue to fight for a playoff spot.
Roethlisberger, a dominant offensive force not just for the Steelers but also one of the NFL's top quarterbacks for an extended period of time, now exhibits passionate support for the Steelers post-retirement. Hearing his genuine enthusiasm is heartening for fans.
Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger YouTube Channel Seven
Steelers Ben Roethlisberger on his podcast
Earlier in the week leading up to the Seahawks game, Rudolph had made comments about the improved atmosphere in the quarterback room with the presence of Mitch Trubisky, Kenny Pickett, and Trace McSorley. While some speculated he might have been subtly criticizing Roethlisberger, it's reassuring to know that the quarterback room is currently in a positive state.
If Rudolph remains the starter, it's essential to maintain a supportive atmosphere in the quarterback room. Such an environment can help alleviate added pressure when it comes to the challenging decisions regarding who will lead the Steelers' offense, especially in their upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens.
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