In a thrilling turn of events, the Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to stick with Mason Rudolph as their starting quarterback for their upcoming regular-season finale against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the return of Kenny Pickett from ankle surgery, Rudolph's recent performances have been nothing short of spectacular, and Coach Mike Tomlin believes he is the best man for the job.
Rudolph has proven himself in the last two games, throwing for an impressive 567 yards and two touchdowns, leading the Steelers to victories over the Cincinnati Bengals and the Seattle Seahawks. These wins have kept Pittsburgh's playoff hopes alive, and they now have multiple paths to secure a spot in the postseason.
The crunch game against the Ravens is paramount for the Steelers, and even though Baltimore has already clinched the top seed in the AFC, Tomlin wants his team to be prepared for any scenario. It's possible that the Ravens might rest key players, including their star quarterback, Lamar Jackson. However, the Steelers won't be taking any chances and will treat the game as if Jackson is playing.
One cannot ignore the monumental challenge Rudolph will face against a Ravens defense that has allowed the fewest points in the league. Yet, Tomlin believes in Rudolph's abilities and the spark he has provided to the team. The quarterback has been taking care of the ball, scoring points at a rate unseen before this season. It's this urgency and success that has convinced Tomlin to leave the game in Rudolph's capable hands.
Meanwhile, Pickett has shown tremendous progress in his recovery from ankle surgery. However, despite being cleared by the medical staff, he has spent limited practice time with the starters, which is why he didn't serve as the emergency third-stringer against the Seahawks. Pickett may be eager to play, but he understands the team's focus on winning games at this crucial stage.
For Rudolph, this season has been a revelation. A seasoned veteran on the Steelers' roster, he spent many years on the bench and was almost forgotten until fate intervened. Injuries and lackluster performances by other quarterbacks propelled him into the spotlight. Now, Rudolph is determined to make the most of this opportunity and prove that he belongs in the NFL.
The 28-year-old quarterback, who will become a free agent in March, has played with a contagious confidence. He's displayed an aggressive style of play that Tomlin finds valuable, especially when the team is facing challenging situations. Rudolph's calculated risk-taking and belief in himself have impressed both his coach and teammates.
Though starting Rudolph over a healthy Pickett may have potential consequences, Tomlin is not dwelling on hypotheticals. With so much at stake, the Steelers are focused on the present and taking things day by day. The tangible challenges ahead require their full attention and effort.
In other team news, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and linebacker Elandon Roberts may return to practice this week after dealing with injuries. Fitzpatrick has been sidelined for the past two weeks, while Roberts didn't play against the Bengals due to a pectoral muscle issue.
As the Steelers gear up for this critical showdown with the Ravens, the future remains uncertain, and the team's playoff hopes hang in the balance. The decision to start Rudolph is a bold one, demonstrating the faith that Tomlin and the organization have in his abilities. Whether this gamble pays off or not, there's no denying the excitement and anticipation surrounding this pivotal matchup.
One thing is for sure, the Steelers are embracing the moment and giving it their all. As they enter the final game of the regular season, they are laser-focused on the task at hand. Only time will tell if Rudolph can continue to deliver stellar performances and guide the Steelers to a playoff berth, but one thing is certain – he's relishing the opportunity to play the game he loves after spending so long on the sidelines.
