Steelers' Mason Rudolph Explains Exactly Why Arthur Smith's System Is Perfect For Him

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation remains super murky. The team has been caught up in an ongoing saga involving Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to join the Steelers for the 2025 season, though he has yet to confirm this publicly. Meanwhile, the Steelers currently have Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, and Skylar Thompson as their quarterback options on the roster.

There’s widespread speculation about whether Rodgers will actually be the Steelers’ quarterback next year. If Rodgers does come, he is expected to be the starter. However, if he doesn’t, then Rudolph will likely step into the role. Rudolph left the Steelers to join the Tennessee Titans before the 2024 season, which meant he missed the chance to work with new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith in 2024.

Now that Rudolph is back and Organized Team Activities are underway, he recently shared why he believes Smith’s offensive system fits him perfectly. This renewed opportunity to work within Smith’s scheme could be crucial for Rudolph’s development and his potential role as the Steelers’ starting quarterback if Rodgers does not join.

"He's very detail-oriented," Rudolph said, "I think he's a good teacher in the install rooms. He's been very clear to guys. Obviously, you guys know he loves to pound the rock, play-action. But he's also got a good collection of good drop-back pass concepts that I like. I think it fits my game and it's been fun working with him."

Rudolph has likely felt the most uncertainty in the quarterback situation. He could either be thrust into a huge role as the Steelers’ starting quarterback or settle in as the backup to Rodgers. Either way, it will be a new experience for Rudolph because he has been a backup before in Pittsburgh, but never behind a player like Rodgers. 

Sure, he sat behind Ben Roethlisberger, but that was way different. Still, Rudolph’s recent comments offer Steelers fans some hope about his potential, especially if he gets the chance to work closely with Smith as the starter.

"Any offense is at its best when you run the ball, you're play-actioning, moving the pocket, changing the launch point of the offensive line, and you're taking shots to playmakers," Rudolph said.

Rudolph stepped up at the end of the 2023 season to save the day for the Steelers. Thrust into the starting role after Kenny Pickett struggled and got injured, and with Mitch Trubisky clearly unable to lead the team, Rudolph took over a Steelers squad on a losing streak and with their playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Rudolph led the Steelers to a surprising three-game winning streak that secured a playoff berth. That impressive run has stayed with Steelers fans as they begin to come to terms with the reality that Rudolph could be their starting quarterback in 2025. 

Steelers View Aaron Rodgers As Their Best Chance For 2025

While Rodgers, at 41 years old, presents some uncertainty, the Steelers still view him as their best chance to compete for a Super Bowl next season. Rodgers led the New York Jets to just five wins in the 2024 season. However, Mike Tomlin views Rodgers as a quarterback capable of elevating this roster to Super Bowl contender status.

Ultimately, the quarterback picture remains uncertain and filled with many unanswered questions, but Rudolph’s impressive late-season heroics combined with the possibility of Rodgers’ arrival create a compelling and complex mix of cautious optimism and anticipation for Steelers fans as they look ahead to the 2025 season. 

The team faces a critical crossroads that could define its future success, with both quarterbacks bringing unique strengths and challenges that will shape the offense and the team’s championship aspirations moving forward. Rudolph and Rodgers both give a very different outlook on how the 2025 season could go for Pittsburgh.

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