Steelers stick with hot hand Mason Rudolph over Kenny Pickett | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC

Kenny Pickett is not starting for the Steelers in Week 18 despite being medically cleared, which seems to clarify that Mason Rudolph is Pittsburgh’s new starting quarterback. #NBCSports #ProFootballTalk #KennyPickett #MasonRudolph
» Subscribe to NFL on NBC: www.youtube.co...
» Watch Pro Football Talk live on Peacock weekdays 7a-9a: peacocktv.smar...
» Get the latest from Pro Football Talk: profootballtal...
NBC Sports Group serves sports fans 24/7 with premier live events, insightful studio shows, and compelling original programming. NBC Sports is an established leader in the sports media landscape with an unparalleled collection of sports properties that include the Olympics, NFL, Premier League, NASCAR, PGA TOUR, the Kentucky Derby, Tour de France, French Open, IndyCar and many more. Subscribe to our channel for the latest sporting news and highlights!
Mike Florio, creator of the industry-leading Profootballtalk.com, offers his NFL insight alongside regular guests, including former NFL athletes such as Chris Simms. Pro Football Talk informs and entertains with the most up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the topical NFL stories of the day.
Watch more from NFL on NBC KZbin: / nflonnbc
Visit NBC Sports: www.nbcsports.com
Find NBC Sports on Facebook: / nbcsports
Follow NBC Sports on Twitter: / nbcsports
Follow NBC Sports on Instagram: / nbcsports
www.nbcsports....
nbcsports.com/...
nbcsports.com/...
Steelers stick with hot hand Mason Rudolph over Kenny Pickett | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC
/ nflonnbc

[@spindizee]

Mason was Mr Check down a few years ago and ppl wanted him out of town. He sat and let that fire in him burn and now he is making the most of it. Kenny needs to do the same. No matter how this year ends, Id have both come to Camp to Compete. Cut Mitch and draft another young guy to develop.

[@Busssdownnn]

💯💯💯💯💯

[@cylynnpa0192]

I wish more fans were this reasonable. Wanting Rudolph to continue starting doesn't mean that you also have to throw Pickett away. There is no reason to throw Pickett out. At worst, he'll be a great, cheap backup because of that clutch factor

[@tessa98239]

My thoughts exactly

[@MikeEspigh]

Mason is rolling right now close to 300 passing yards a game not 190 180

[@callmeco1603]

This shows Steelers fan need to take a step back and stop being so over critical to young players. We expect them all to be all pro or busy. We have to learn some patience.

[@usmcyounggun6879]

I can’t stand everyone in the media not being able to just compliment Mason Rudolph. If they do compliment him it’s always backhanded. It’s okay to say that Mason has been great and looked really good. That’s all you gotta say. Doesn’t mean you think he’s a HOF QB or is gonna be MVP. I just hate Chris and others in media saying that Rudolph was good but it was because the two defenses he played were awful. They are an NFL defense and Steelers didn’t just win but dominated them. And for the first time this year Mason put up 30 points and did it two weeks in a row. 34 points against the Bengals. And basically 37 points against the Seahawks, since Najee was running wide open into the end zone and slid at the 1 yard line so they could kneel out the clock. We haven’t seen offense like this since Big Ben.

[@717rocket]

I know he's never had a fair shake which I don't understand.

[@facelessman5362]

he had the best QBR in the league last week..

[@hectorzeroni7860]

I meannnnb it was some low ranking defenses ngl

[@717rocket]

@@hectorzeroni7860 no turnovers, fumbles or ints.

[@coryhewens795]

Chris does that with the Steelers in general.

[@crowe1974]

It is a BIG NO on Russell Wilson

[@NAT-turners-Revenge]

No worries ur getting him anyway 👿

[@StreamclipsS77]

@@NAT-turners-Revengeno one pin Pittsburgh wants Russel wilson including the gm

[@sendtodevnull1269]

If Russell Wilson is a Steeler next year, I’m out.

[@Brascobadboy]

@@StreamclipsS77 don’t matter what u think

[@Brascobadboy]

Russel Wilson. 22td. 6 int. Highest rated

[@vegastjg]

They havent scored 30+ points in b2b games in 3 years until these last 2 weeks with Mason at qb

[@pussydestroyer87]

Great job by Mason but Canada getting 💩canned has a lot to do with it too.

[@donywahlberg]

At the same time Kenny played one game without the now fired offensive coordinator and he matched Rudolph's yardage and also threw for 70%.

[@jtfike]

So what? 6-3 is as much of a win as 30-3.

[@steelphantom9105]

@@donywahlberg. Fans can’t keep blaming Canada for Kenny not having the IQ for a more complex playbook, enough already.

[@OhOkayThenLazySusan]

Rudolph actually deserves this opportunity more than Kenny. Hes been through this entire transition and has balled out the last two weeks. Kenny does deserve a chance without Canada, but I think we can all agree that he had his own issues regardless of the terrible scheme and play-calling. If Rudolph plays great again and gets a win or two in the playoffs they have a really tough decision going into next year. But I would stick with Rudolph, especially if Kenny becomes resentful about it all.

[@pussydestroyer87]

Neither one deserves anything. If Rudolph starts its because he earned it.

[@trawlins396]

And he's never shown any ego.

[@Brascobadboy]

They will trade mason

[@philOKC]

They will have to pay Rudolph if they expect him to stick around. I find it hard to believe, after this late season performance, he will not have serious suitors, outside of Pittsburgh, who need a starting QB. Fool me once shame on you . . . fool me twice shame on me.

[@OhOkayThenLazySusan]

@@philOKC if they make a deep playoff run why not pay him though? Kenny still under rookie contract and it's not like anyone is gonna give him top tier qb money for a 5 or 6 game run. He'll get paid but it won't be egregious. That's assuming he keeps playing great and they plan to start him next season.

[@ChrisCash720]

Mason is playing like a real qb. No tuck and run every play

[@zariohenry3781]

Kenny needs to watch the Kurt Warner biopic about sticking in the pocket. That dude already starts running around right after the snap. The O-line is going to be frantically trying if they don't know where you're going to run away. Stick in the pocket, take a few hits and trust your line.

[@perryellis1423]

He's fragile and scared to get hit, injury 🤕 prone Kenny Pickett

[@carrjeep7538]

This. This right here. Kenny needs to learn pocket comfort and movement within the pocket. He NEVER steps up. He’s super skittish, but doesn’t keep his eyes downfield when he scrambles.

[@donywahlberg]

Check out the week 12 QB school video about Kenny with the all-22 and end zone angles, he was very calm in the pocket. I think the injury timing is skewing folks impression of where the issues came from. Pickett was dealing with them misusing Pickens, some of the route charts under Canada were criminal he never ran routes down field or inside the numbers. Now he runs a slant and takes off for 90 yards with Rudolph, doesn't mean Pickett sucks.

[@Brascobadboy]

@@donywahlberg I used to say. “Why don’t they throw slants !!!”

[@steelphantom9105]

⁠@@donywahlberg. The routes were designed that way for Pickett in the first place, because he wouldn’t stay in the pocket and let the deeper routes to develop down field. Fans need to quit blame a coach who’s no longer on the team for Pickett’s shortcomings.

[@Michael-dd6hl]

Mason is playing like he's got nothing to lose and that's a good thing. Keep doing what you're doing. For Kenny, watch what Mason is doing and when your number is called again which it will be at some point,let this be a learning curve.

[@balayagesalon]

Oh I disagree .He is playing for a contract

[@steelphantom9105]

You can’t learn something if you don’t have the ability in the first place.

[@555calex]

Well, that's it Mason has been around for a bit and has grown. Pickett is still on that learning curve and needs continual growing time...

[@Majic88888]

Last week Chris was saying that reality was going to hit Rudolph in Seattle. Funny he didn’t say that Seattle had a poor defense leading into the game but said it was a hostile environment and Mason wouldn’t be able to handle it.

[@steelphantom9105]

Because their egos won’t let them admit when they are wrong.

[@DavidKfilmmaker]

Kenny hit his ceiling but Mason is 6yrs in and still hasn’t reached his?

[@kurtjanicki7325]

More playmakers now ... our offense was hot garbage in 2019 - no depth at the skill positions.

[@steel148]

Lack of reps

[@Boseman7]

10 starts prior to this year.

[@StreamclipsS77]

He looked way better than Kenny from the beginning of his career… Mason has great arm strength and has learned how to read defenses at a high level with traits like that you don’t really have a ceiling as long as you have the weapons to throw to

[@WhathehadasSole]

Maybe he's showing us now🤷🏿‍♂️

[@Klynnc71]

The Best thing that Happened to Mason was that he got humbled by sitting on the bench and it helped him....Its not gonna hurt Kenny either.

[@trawlins396]

Exactly. Sometimes you have to set your ego aside. Do what's best for the TEAM.

[@tomodonovan5931]

@@trawlins396 He also got a lot of time learning the system as well. That is a big plus at knowing what to look for during a play, and who should be doing this, or doing that!

[@TheWayofGrace89]

It really is the right choice.

[@lukevonah8235]

Im with sticking with mason, but I hate how fast people write off kenny. Man dealt with a poor online and inept oc for how long. Then Canada gets booted and he immediately looked better. If it weren't for getting hurt early in the Arizona game I think he stacks another solid game but because of that people just wrap him up. I honest to god think we win at least 2/3 of those games if he's in. And the media wont recognize these things bc they want to be right on their prediction

[@KingSingh759]

We 110% win vs Pats & Cards if we had KP8

[@absurd5138]

He's alright but there obvious flaws such as his accuracy his pocket presence and his durability

[@Gungadin0112]

Yeah solid game verse Arizona before he got hurt, give me a break he had 70 passing yards an just 3 points in a half of football.

[@trawlins396]

PGH fans are fickle. We live in the moment.

[@max-xn3vt]

@@KingSingh759no we don’t 😂

[@onewayred3506]

Mason deserves it been riding this long and I see hella potential in Kenny but he gotta master his ability to stay in the pocket read the defense and find his 2nd or 3rd option before taking off

[@steelphantom9105]

What potential are you seeing in Pickett?

[@johns363]

Kenny better get used to the idea that he's not the franchise QB we all had hoped for and Mason Rudolph may be.

[@philOKC]

Mason will either prove he is QB1 on Saturday or he won't. There will be no middle ground. He has all the physical tools and a humble, confident demeanor. He always deflects praise on himself and lifts up his teammates. His leadership skills are off the charts and he has the locker room on his side.

[@steelphantom9105]

Plus Mason has the IQ to be able to use the full playbook.

[@marcapesos3731]

He already did prove hes capable of leading the offense past 2 games.

[@chrisspearline767]

The ability to stand in the pocket was never an issue with Rudolph. The want to run and avoid the rush was the issue he seems to be getting better with that

[@KevinPrimus]

It’s not a statement against KP8. It’s a recognition of how well Mason is playing.

[@rickdicl]

don't be surprised, Pickett is tough. Mason is completely different than he used to be, it's Mason's team at the moment.

[@donywahlberg]

Local media is trying to throw Pickett under the bus with reports he is speaking out and refusing to dress. Childish bull crap

[@enjoyer6201]

I think it’s a statement on how bad Kenny has been, also. All of the excuses people were making for him for the entire year have been rendered useless. It’s very obvious he’s just not a good quarterback. Will that change someday? Maybe. I doubt it. But it might. But anyone being objective can see for themselves just how bad he was all year. Historically bad. The lowest touchdown percentage in NFL history. If that’s not bad, what is?

[@bw5470]

I agree kenny protected the ball all season he was 7-2 as the starter this year. But mason is playing good right now and you just have to ride for as long as you can

[@thetattedpilot]

@@bw5470stop sayin he’s 7-2 the defense is 7-2

[@alexvagias5295]

They should never have picked up Trubisky. No offense to him but three qb's was one too many. Mason should have been handed the ball and told that he it was his year to do what he can. Pickett should have been handed the clipboard and told to learn what he can.

[@ImThe5thKing]

I like Kenny, he seems like a good guy, he has his clutch moments, but he needs to improve if he wants to take over Ben's legacy. I hope he can, but if not, at least he'll be a good backup for us if he doesn't leave

[@steelphantom9105]

Kenny is just a backup at the NFL level.

[@americanborn8287]

2022 - 7 td’s 9 int’s 2023 - 6 td’s 4 int’s Never had a 300 yard game

[@PacketWrangler]

If Mason gets them in to the playoffs against the Ravens, he's made himself a good chunk of money. There's no guarantee he even signs with Pittsburgh next year.

[@johnnypastrana6727]

Hope Mason signs with a head coach and coaching staff that appreciates him.

[@echochamber4420]

As a lifelong Steelers fan, no matter how you feel about it, we have a contender QB problem. Pickett, Rudolph nor Trushitsky are going to take a team to the promise land. What are professional teams playing for 2nd, 3rd, 4th place now? The Steelers HAVE A QB PROBLEM!!!

[@StreamclipsS77]

We have to give mason a chance before we can truly say what he can and can’t do kenny had definitely had his chance

[@pussydestroyer87]

The standard is the standard...and .500 is the standard now. You can tell when a guy is the guy. It was obvious during Ben's first NFL start against Miami that he was the guy. Neither Kenny nor Mason are the guy.

[@robertacampbell5382]

The bigger problem the Steelers have is they need a new HC.

[@dragoonabninf1014]

Still need to draft a qb in second or third round

[@jasonlommen4769]

I’m absolutely rooting for Mason. He deserves a shot and he’s making the most of it. I like KP, but sadly I just don’t think he’s the real deal.

[@NeweraGolf]

I’m happy because this tells me, they aren’t MARRIED to Kenny. I hope they go after a QB this offseason man PLEASE

[@StreamclipsS77]

Definitely not Russel Wilson he’s expensive and honestly not that good I would trade up draft penix and let him sit behind mason for a little until they trust him to start full time

[@mcmanusbrandon558]

If Pickett keeps complaining Trade him. Although i say trade him and keep Mason Rudolph

[@parsonsjoseph2230]

Mason playing better right now. It’s a no brainer to me.

[@jameschamberlain9821]

All year ? It's the best it's looked in 3 years

[@brooksorlando4881]

Mason and Kenny are actually really similar players...my comp for Pickett was OSU Rudolph. Similar production, offense run, physical skillset, etc. Like Mason though, Kenny should have been a 3rd rd pick. He's solid. I think he could be a Dalton/Schaub type at his best, but you don't take a guy with a mid 1st rd pick hoping we can turn out to be Andy Dalton lol. It was a perfect storm of Ben retiring, him being local kid, and it was a weak class.

[@N.R.S.412]

I'm happy for mason and that things are going well for him and the team, he has been very professional and didn't really get a fair shake at the starting job. Kenny just needs a little more time to grow he's gonna be alright. Kp has to accept that mason has flat out played better end of story.

[@donywahlberg]

He is straight up just still injured and he played damn well (70% passing on an average of 7 or more yards downfield) in his last full game and only game without Matt Canada. In the Tomlin clip he straight up says "he will be able to start practicing this week", and obviously there is no reason to play through the end stages of your recovery if the backup is getting results -- that's the backup's job.

[@steelphantom9105]

@@donywahlberg Kenny is sitting the bench for a reason and it’s not due to injury.

[@real-ishstraighttruthnocha1687]

The film shows that Pickett was not reading the field, scrambling too early instead of staying in the pocket and missing routine throws. Look at DJ & GP now that Rudolph is throwing them the ball. No discipline issues all of a sudden. QB film school and several other channels showed how bad Pickett has been. Even when Canada was there, DJ and GP got open and so did Muth. Pickett wouldn't pull the trigger. Mason does. Pickett can't even read a defense fast and doesn't have a strong arm either.

[@leapingcatproductions1777]

Spinning left out of the pocket is his signature move, and teams know this.

[@Girlyy-h5f]

Facts

[@winkweindel]

It's possible rudolph improved since his last real playing time

[@StreamclipsS77]

Or it’s possible that he was a good QB in 2019 who had a head injury and had no o line he’s always been better than Kenny

[@johnbunceiii2668]

KP is not a bust - yet. He needs time to develop and rise to the NFL game in full. He's only in his second year. Chill out. 'Til then - Mason Rudolph time.

[@topcatchillinbytrash]

If Kenny really refused to backup Mason would be very concerning regarding the future. The Steelers need Steelers and that behavior doesn't line up with that idea. If Mason leads another win and gets more in the playoffs he should 100% get the start in 2024 over Pickett.

[@justjuan589]

Agree. If this story is true, I think that’s enough of KP. Get a 4th or 5th for him and move on.

[@russa5332]

Story wasn’t true but yeah, Rudolph is looking like the guy to get the W’s. Pickett needs more development based on his play, but that goes for most young QB’s.

[@johns363]

​@@justjuan589How about if they could trade him for a washer and dryer? And I mean a 80lb commercial set not a mini stackable unit.

[@topcatchillinbytrash]

@@russa5332 Yeah I just saw his press video but he has this sulking sourpuss behavior when things don't fall his way. Zero poise in the pocket and on the podium unlike Mason.

[@hampton1315]

He didn’t refuse

[@zettielanphier7069]

We were spoiled with Big Ben.

[@henryhansen5319]

Mason is 40 times better qb than chris simms ever dreamed of .. this hack has been a daddys boy his whole life and was handed this job because hes phil simms son .

[@kylelehman2456]

Old sayings never die. If it ain't broken don't fix it.

[@speedybball0287]

Mason has earned this

[@bundles329]

We all have seen Kenny Pickett muss wide open throws like the one Mason hit Dionte with over the middle going for about 40 yds.

[@jalildowdy2895]

Kenny Pickett has not hit his ceiling after a year and a half... he's learning a difficult position... not giving up on him and say he is done. . People gave up on Mason after 10 starts and said he was done and now they are on his bandwagon.. he is still developing as a player...

[@OhOkayThenLazySusan]

If Mason IS developed and produces consistently then why wait and see what Kenny's ceiling is?

[@steelphantom9105]

What new position is Kenny learning?

[@jalildowdy2895]

@@steelphantom9105 Quarterback the hardest position on the field... it takes a minute to develop, not everybody is great right away... you are one of the ones saying Mason was trash now on his bandwagon... he had 10 starts thats not enough...Steelers had 25 years of mediocre QB play between Bradshaw and Ben... not going to give up on a kid after a year and a half... and you probably one of the people to trade Pickens...

[@steelphantom9105]

@@jalildowdy2895 Why are you so angry that I asked a question to clarify what you’re saying? Actually I’ve always felt Mason never got a fair chance to be QB1 he only had 10 starts coming into this season. Now Mason is getting a fair chance only because Mitch has been so terrible and Kenny has struggled and has been injury prone.

[@jalildowdy2895]

@@steelphantom9105 My bad... Happy New Year... we all want the same thing

[@sendtodevnull1269]

2024: Rudolph’s revenge The kid has had terrible luck since being drafted. Wherever he ends up next year, so hope his future remains bright.

[@mykofreder1682]

Picket may be better with time but Rudolph is a better manager, one can drop a 10-point game on you, the other should get you to 20. Rudolph was drafted to replace Ben around the same place in a lot of people's minds 3rd round and without the Steelers Picket probably would have been at minimum a 2nd rounder and maybe a 3rd rounder last year. I would not count Picket or Rudolph starting many years in a managed offense with good support, they have not played much and have room to grow, Zack Wilson probably could be a starter with a good line, offensive support, and a better attitude.

[@philOKC]

Not to mention the Steelers front office said that Rudolph was a "first round talent" when they drafted him in the third.

[@ronnrayy5449]

The definition of irony is strong here. You can't say things like "Kenny hit his ceiling" amd "Kenny isn't it" while also saying Mason is having a high level of success right now. Mason was obviously a doormat to you people who talk football for a living, amd now you're declaring what Kenny is or isn't? While you, just like the rest of the world finally learned what Mason isn't, and he isn't literally every single thing you've ever said about him. So who to say Kenny doesn't get that same exact fire lit in him and comes out in 2024 throwing 300+ ypg 4 TD's and the offense averages 30+ points? You would think after a lifetime of doing this shit, you people would already know and understand to not be so short sighted. As far as I'm concerned Kenny is still a Steeler. But it's Mason's ball now. And until Mason gives it up with too many poor performances or a bad stretch he'll hold onto that ball. But I also know that as soon as Kenny gets his hands back on the ball, talking heads will be acting like they've always knew Kenny was him. Just like you're acting like he's not now.

[@meghanmisaliar]

The media needs to stop trying to create drama in pitting KB and MR against each other. I blame the media IF KPs ego has become inflated. They're the ones who treated him like some type of Savior just because he played at Pitt. I remember it well. He could do NO wrong. "Kenny Pittsburgh "???

[@CoffeeWithFred]

Mason Rudolph against the Ravens, will be an important matchup for the future and direction of the Steelers and the quarterback position. Has it been a 2 game fluke or is Mason Rudolph the real thing? We will find out Saturday.

[@StreamclipsS77]

The expectations should not be that high the best offense in the league only scored 19 points against them so as long as he gets the win I see that as him proving himself

[@WhathehadasSole]

​@@StreamclipsS77i think for some, no matter how great he plays, they'll come up with a excuse against it😂

[@chewchy9052]

It would make me happy if Steelers beat Baltimore starters / no starters. regardless of playoff jengah.. I think this is a gelling team , and it's do to Mason.

[@mikefrank115]

I think much of the NFL fanbase (and maybe management as well) has become enamored with the "new" QB archetype - more of an athlete than a quarterback. When you consider the role that a QB is supposed to fill, which is commanding the offense, providing leadership on the field and in the locker room, and helping the playmakers to make plays then a pure "athlete" might have a weakness. Look at the number of great passers without running skills - Manning(s), Marino, Brees, Rivers, Roethlishberger (he was an elusive redwood but not a runner), Brady, etc. I think you see a trend: I'm not going to be a great runner so I will stay in an extra tick and see if I can make the pass I need to make. Mason Rudolph fits into that mold. Great skill players need a quality distributor of the football and Mason is demonstrating that. Add the maturity that comes from a few years as a backup (and a willingness to learn from being in that role) and I think the short-term answer to the QB conundrum becomes obvious. Of course I am not presuming to know as much as an NFL head coach, and anyone who does should be out there circulating resumes. I am just commenting on what I see.

[@717rocket]

THANK YOU !

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Agree 100%. I remember going all in on a QB w/magnificent physical traits, big arm, & pedigree who seemed like a sure thing. He showed great promise but injuries, coaching, etc kept him from putting it all together. I just wish I hadn’t gambled away the house, the 401k & the kids college funds on that guy. I’ll remember his name forever: Chris Simms. Hope he’s stuck somewhere in a dead end job as hopeless as mine. Just kidding I still have the 401k. 😂 in all seriousness Chris has done some great work giving good insight on the NFL.

[@stefansatis7270]

Kenny is done, Mitch is done. Periode.

[@stankulesza8107]

Brock purdy was in kenny pickets draft class

[@USMCSDI]

As a LIFELONG Steeler fan I am not a Mason Rudolph fan but I agree he has *EARNED* the right to be the starting quarterback

[@francisco8124]

from a Steeler fan to another, Mason has not have a real chance he was throw in to fill in for a injured Big Ben, he did not have the same support as Kenny in his first 8 games neither the patience from the coaching staff so he got benched until now even thou he is been in the NFL for six years he does not have much playing time , also he is been acting like a real professional, no complains working hard waiting for his chance what is not to like about this guy. with much respect an old Steelers fan.

[@stan4osu]

Mason was always the better QB. Coaching and front office need to be asked why they spent big $$$ to bring in people in front of him!

[@wizkid915]

How can you have this conversation and not mention Canada?? In her one game Kenny played without Canada, the Steelers had their best offensive game in three seasons, then get got injured. Trubisky came in and stunk it up like he has his entire career. Now mason comes in and has played very well under a different offensive scheme. I do think a Kenny would to do well now that Canada is out and competent play callers are leading the offense. I still think they should stick with Mason until given a reason not to; but any conversation surrounding the Pittsburgh QB situation that DOESN’T involve Matt Canada is absolutely bogus and not worth considering.

[@MrFreshEdition]

Mason should have been the QB2 at the start of the Season. But in fairness to KP8, his first game without Canada he lead the offense to over 400 yds total. And threw a TD to DJ if the incompetent Ref's do their jobs properly. That should have been 23 points and even more. Then KP8 gets hurt in the Cardinals game early. Who knows what KP8 would have done if he doesn't get hurt. But everything happens for a reason now Mason emergence bolds well for 2024.

[@trawlins396]

So tired of the media trying to pit MR against KP.

[@FuturesDoubleCup]

What ive noticed when it comes to the QB play.. Kenny loves throwing to Diontae, while throwing short to intermediate passes and he doesn't have faith in the o line so typically after his first read is gone he tries to run.. Trubisky likes throwing to Allen while trying to throw the ball down the field sometimes but he just isnt a accurate QB.. Mason likes throwing to Pickens while he also believes in the pocket and so he stands in there and throws the ball deep and as of late pretty accurately.. in saying this all we can do is hope Mason continues to play as well as he has been.. with out o line starting to play sooo much better and even though our defense is very injured we still have our starting front 4 with Nick Herbig as amazing rotational rusher in which they cause so much pressure it helps our secondary tremendously.. depending if we beat Baltimore and how connivingly we do.. i would not want to play us in the 1st round of the wild card

[@jonathannelson4324]

Can everyone stop saying “hot hand” now?

[@steel148]

No

[@SMALLTOWNREACTIONS]

There is nothing you can tell me that would make me believe Kenny Pickett would have won two 30 point games in a row if he played regardless of defense.

[@brian5863]

Watch this be the game Mason Rudolph becomes Mason Rudolph and the whole off season we are talking about firing Tomlin, re-signing Tomlin, Tomlin this, Tomlin that, it never ends 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Dee-nonamnamrson8718]

I just went back and watched a film study from 4 years ago. Mason looked a lot like has the last two games.

[@kurtjanicki7325]

@@Dee-nonamnamrson8718 You're right - he's just got more playmakers around him now.

[@pasqualgzzz1786]

It will be 😂😂

[@kwam4047]

better team now and reads field faster, improved pocket awareness and better ball placement. thats after sitting for 2 years. his work ethic has shown Mason is a true Steeler and good things come to you if you embrace the Steeler way

[@javiermori1710]

Tomlin doing everything he can to justify the 1st round pick in Pickett..like we're starting Mason bcuz Pickett has lingering injury that has slowed his reps etc etc.. i think everyone knows Rudolph in 2 games has more command of offense and they look better than they have all year.

[@tigermachine6471]

Quarterback comes up under a great vet who doesnt help him at all, it impedes his growth as a pro QB. That QB is suddenly thrust into an offense thats finding itself after losing its best playmakers. That QB becomes a victim of things that were out of his control. He matures, suddenly hes the old vet in the room, he gets another shot, and here we are. Mason might keep this job awhile, and that could be the best thing that ever happened to Kenny Pickett. KP finally gets the vet to grow under. 👍🏼 sometimes its better to be lucky than to be good.

[@johnnypastrana6727]

Seattle has one of the best secondaries in the NFL Simms. Also, the Bengal D held your 49ers to 17 points in Santa Clara.

[@LydianSea]

Believe me, the Steelers will do everything they can to prove their 1st-round draft pick, which is why Tomlin is very careful with his praise of Mason. The Steelers/Tomlin created this whole mess back when they hired Matt Canada as OC. Matt tanked the end of BIG BEN's career & then proceeded to derail KP8's development. Right now, Mason should be the guy, he's had six years of development and is HIGHLY motivated to prove he is worthy of an NFL quarterback contract.

[@StreamclipsS77]

I don’t get this narrative that mason Rudolph is only better than Kenny for the end of the season there’s no world we’re Kenny is a better QB than mason

[@milesruby3271]

The Kenny hate is crazy to me the dude hasnt even played a full season. We havent seen his ceiling.

[@jjhawksjj]

Some QB's need time to mature and settle in and understand the pro game. Today's NFL doesn't typically provide that time. When Mason Rudolph was drafted you could see in his arm talent that he could compete at the NFL level. The guy passed for over 13,000 yards at Oklahoma State. I like Pickett. I like that he plays with heart and is willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. However, you can see that Rudolph has more arm talent than Kenny. Mason has better downfield vision as well. Kenny is a bit more mobile. I'm not sure who will be the Steelers starting QB in 2024 but I love the fact that Mason is getting this chance to show his growth to lead this team. Keep it up Mason! If Mason plays well and the Steelers win against the Ravens and end up making the playoffs you have to continue to ride him. Mason is an unrestricted free agent next year and this will be his time to show the other teams in the league what he's capable of.

[@donywahlberg]

First line by Tomlin was "his availability is less in question this week, he is going to practice this week". The guy just isn't healthy. He at no point said "he was healthy enough to start" and it sounds like despite reports he didn't actually practice last week with the team. Drama drama drama drama drama.

[@marcapesos3731]

Reading comprehension? He said he has two capable guys going into the week. Also his availability being less in question means he's healthier. Even if he was ready why would you put him in over Rudolph.

[@jordancook20]

I agree to keep going with Mason but to say Kenny has hit his ceiling is ridiculous. They fired Matt Canada and he moved the ball with ease before getting hurt. The run game has been dominant, the O line has held strong, & the opposing defenses have been weak the last 2 weeks. Shoutout Mason and let him keep the starting job until he loses it. But cut Kenny some slack

[@chrisspearline767]

Rudolph got the Tebow treatment from the jump because he gives glory to God

[@GNXXRAY]

I don’t think so. The OC as a joke. Pickett killed it when Canada left. It’s not fair to judge him without a decent OC… Hire Leftwich and build an offense around Pickett… Period

[@johnthompson7234]

Has Kenny Pickett hit his ceiling?? Jeez, lets give the kid some time and see what a new OC can do for the offense. He basically played a game and 1/4 with new play callers and looked pretty good.

[@Gungadin0112]

Give the kid some time? In case you don't know hes started 25 games thats a year and a half of football you don't think thats enough time.

[@daniel-jm7lj]

Bring back big Ben

[@Lmzip2]

Rudolph has the offense clicking. KP8 is still young guy that has things to learn why not let the hot guy play. it doesn’t make any sense they’re supposed to be a team anyway.

[@rwood711]

You forget Pickett was playing under Canada. Remember Josh Allen was not instant success. KP will be here to compete with Mason in August. Till then it’s team.

[@mc1993]

Under Canada not as terrible as people think. Ben lost a lot of his accuracy in 2021, Pickett has accuracy, timing and pocket awareness issues. We've seen pretty much both versions of Canada's offense with Mason who has been accurate, and accurate, with good timing and pocket awareness has made it worked. Did we not just see the 'horrible Canada' jet sweep actually work now?

[@jasonghering4389]

Mason is playing for a roster spot on a new team. With new Oc and couple lineman. I can see Kenny doing better. His first game without Canada they had over 400 yards and kenny almost had 300. Im happy with either qb. We are clicking at the right time

[@williew.881]

The Steelers organization must've hurt Chris Simms's feelings in the past or something. This guy hates the Steelers 😅

[@cjokerp]

Russell Wilson will be an option for other teams this offseason but not for as many teams as these analyst will be possibly projecting. Yes, Russ has had a much better 2023 than 2022 but the bottomline is he's past his prime and he has limitations related to his throwing abilities. Not to mention he has a monster contract that no team will really want to trade for UNLESS the Broncos agree to eat most of the money during negotiations

[@tyronewaters7117]

So, I guess if Mason has a strong day against the Ravens next, analysts will make more excuses for why doing so well? Sad.

[@MrJESSROX]

The game and 1/2 after firing Matt Canada....Kenny Looked a lot better until he got hurt. He hasn't hit his ceiling if he can stay healthy. Mason has payed his dues practicing, learning, MATURING, working hard and being patient. He looks damn good. If Mason wins three straight right off the practice squad and gets them in the playoffs. KEEP HIM AND KENNY.

[@mrjamfy6862]

Steelers do not want Wilson! That would be a dumb move!

[@Laststepp]

Kenny said he'd be playing if he was healthy. Boy is lying to himself. He hasnt grasped the playbook well enough, so they cant call all the plays. He relies way too heavily on his checkdowns because of longball inaccuracy. I hope he isn't the starter next season. If they make it to the playoffs he should NOT start.

[@c25black1]

They were not thinking of benching Kenny for trashbiski ain't no way stop it

[@dantheman8152]

Rudolph and Pickett should compete for the job thos off-season! Draft another QB in the later rounds.

[@BBAERSTANCE1]

Bring dobbs back next year, have a QB competition next year and see who you start between the 3

[@soyster]

kenny pickett is not him

[@silverjk3811]

If Kenny Picket is the answer he hasn’t show anything relevant. He has no highlight games other than close games and if not it was TJ Watt led Defense. I think CJ Stroud was more talked about then Kenny this year.

[@whitemex9844]

Really you don't think Seattle had a good defense okay must be watching another game or something 😅

[@jamesgreen8669]

Do whatever it takes to draft Penix!!!

[@Quez150]

Idc what yall say bout kenny .. we were winning no matter how ugly it looked.. Mitch single handily hurt our record and post season chances

[@PGHPulse]

I don't like Kenny's character being attacked. But something is definitely off when he says he would've started at Seattle if he was cleared. But now he's cleared this week, and he's not starting. That's suspicious to me.

[@Yinzermakesvids]

Ah yes the backhanded compliment, if this was lemar Jackson, they’d be falling over them selves to praise him

[@jefffowlerr]

I've been yelling at the TV for Rudolph in when Kenny got hurt I'd say play both I don't think the Ravens come out to play they clichéd a playoff spot I can't see them playing hard for no good reason

[@mikewitt5840]

kenny is not a good qb and has a lot to learn

[@rod4758]

If its Russel Wilson I’m changing teams after 50 years

[@misterwirez7731]

If Mason chokes under the Baltimore pass rush, Tomlin will yank him. I have no doubt about that. We'll know by halftime if Mason is cooking or not. The problem is getting the other things to happen to get into the playoffs. That is Mike Tomlin and Mitch Twopicksky's fault for losing those games like that.

[@sonsofliberty3081]

Hold up. Kp had a better statistical season his rookie year than Lawrence. Matt Canada ruined him. He played 6 qrs of good football without him and then got hurt. Mitch does what he does and mitched it up. If kp doesn't get hurt, they already seald the 5th seed and browns are 6th. Not even close. However, you can't ignore Rudolph who over the last 2 weeks has the best qb raiting in the league. Yes, against nfl teams. Doesn't matter if they were bottom half d or not. Rudolph has looked amazing. To say kp hit his ceiling is just crazy and you discredit yourself. Remember, rodgers sat for 4yrs, brady came in because of an injury. If Bledsoe doesn't get hurt, no brady. I'm not saying anything but to pump the breaks and just enjoy the show. If they get into the playoffs, look out. They can literally beat anyone and have. At that point bal 2x, cle they beat 1x, the 2nd time they had them beat missing 7 starters on d and then the refs got involved. Who are they supposed to be scared of. If they didn't slide and down the ball they would have put up 40 on sea with over 200 rush. They ran for 170+ in cle 2x. They're doing this with practice squad guys. They're finally getting guys back and lamar is 1-7 all time vs Pittsburgh. Mia and kc won't keep them below 34pts. You get in and it's a crap shoot.

[@chrisgray3195]

Numbers don't lie!!!

[@Anthony-mw9rk]

Kenny did not refuse to back up Rudolph, Tomlin would have killed him.

[@kwam4047]

KP was not ready to start in the NFL plus Canada's offensive plan never pushed the ball down the field limiting his potiental growth from the start. Mason has embrassed the Steeler's way and next man up mentality. its clear to me Mason's skill set didnt fit in Canada's offensive plan but he still competed and work on his craft and because of that you are seeing quicker desicion making and better ball placement but with his ablitiy to push the ball down field. KP now needs to learn how to push the ball down the field and feel the pocket before he is ready to be QB1

[@CSwivel]

Kenny Picket was never gonna be an NFL franchise QB but Rooney was too dumb not to let him go because of the Dan Marino decision. I knew this would blow up in Steeler Nations face