Steelers have early front-runner for QB2 between Will Howard, Mason Rudolph

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, with a rich history of success and a passionate fan base that expects nothing less than excellence. As the team prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes are on the backup quarterback competition between Mason Rudolph and Will Howard.

An NFL insider, who has close ties to the Steelers organization, recently shared his thoughts on the competition. According to the insider, both Rudolph and Howard have been impressive in practice and preseason games, but one of them has emerged as the front-runner for the backup quarterback role.

Mason Rudolph, a former third-round draft pick out of Oklahoma State, has been with the Steelers since 2018. He has shown flashes of potential in limited playing time, but has yet to establish himself as a reliable backup to starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Rudolph has a strong arm and good pocket presence, but has struggled with consistency and decision-making at times.

On the other hand, Will Howard, an undrafted rookie out of Kansas State, has turned heads with his play in training camp and preseason games. Howard has shown poise and confidence in the pocket, making quick decisions and delivering accurate passes. He has also impressed coaches with his work ethic and leadership qualities.

The insider believes that Rudolph’s experience in the Steelers’ system gives him a slight edge over Howard in the backup quarterback competition. Rudolph has spent three seasons learning from Roethlisberger and offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, and has a deeper understanding of the team’s playbook and offensive scheme. However, Howard’s natural talent and upside cannot be ignored, and he has made a strong case for himself with his performance on the field.

The insider also pointed out that the Steelers’ coaching staff will have a difficult decision to make when it comes to choosing between Rudolph and Howard. Both players bring different skill sets to the table, and each has their own strengths and weaknesses. Rudolph’s experience and familiarity with the offense could give him the edge, but Howard’s potential and upside make him a compelling option as well.

As the competition continues to unfold, the Steelers will closely evaluate both Rudolph and Howard in practice and preseason games. Head coach Mike Tomlin and his staff will pay close attention to how each player performs under pressure, how they handle the offense, and how they interact with teammates. Ultimately, the decision will come down to which quarterback gives the team the best chance to win in the event that Roethlisberger is unable to play.

For Rudolph, the backup quarterback competition represents an opportunity to prove himself and show that he is capable of leading the team if called upon. After a rocky start to his NFL career, Rudolph has worked hard to improve his game and earn the trust of his coaches and teammates. He knows that the backup quarterback role is an important one, and he is determined to show that he is up to the task.

On the other hand, Howard is a relative unknown in the NFL, but he has quickly made a name for himself with his impressive play in training camp and preseason games. Howard is a talented young quarterback with a bright future ahead of him, and he is eager to show what he can do on the field. Howard knows that he is the underdog in the competition, but he is determined to prove his doubters wrong and earn a spot on the Steelers’ roster.

As the preseason progresses, the Steelers’ coaching staff will continue to evaluate Rudolph and Howard as they compete for the backup quarterback job. The team’s decision will ultimately come down to which player gives them the best chance to win games and succeed in the event of an injury to Roethlisberger. Both Rudolph and Howard have the talent and potential to succeed in the NFL, but only one of them will emerge as the Steelers’ backup quarterback for the upcoming season.

In conclusion, the backup quarterback competition between Mason Rudolph and Will Howard is one of the most intriguing storylines to watch as the Steelers prepare for the upcoming season. Both players have shown promise and potential in practice and preseason games, and both have their own strengths and weaknesses. The decision on who will serve as the team’s backup quarterback will ultimately come down to which player gives the team the best chance to win games and succeed in the event of an injury to Roethlisberger. Steelers fans will be watching closely as Rudolph and Howard compete for the coveted role, eager to see who will ultimately emerge as the front-runner in this closely contested battle.

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Source: Sporting News