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We don’t know exactly what training camp will look like but at some point the Pittsburgh Steelers will get back to the business of getting this season going. Let’s break down each positional unit, starting with the quarterbacks.
Looking back at 2019
From the moment Ben Roethlisberger went down with an injury in the second game of the season, the Steelers quarterback carousel was a sight to behold in all the worst ways.
Mason Rudolph appeared in 10 games with eight starts. He threw for 1,765 passing yards on 62.2 percent completions with 13 passing touchdowns compared to nine interceptions. He topped 250 yards passing only once in those 10 games and was 5-3 as a starter.
When Rudolph wasn’t in the game from either injury or ineffectiveness, Pittsburgh turned to Devlin Hodges. Hodges appeared in eight games and got six starts. Hodges threw for 1,063 passing yards on 62.2 percent passing with five passing touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Overall this unit was a mess. With all the talent this team has on offense it was painfully evident that without a competent quarterback to run the offense none of it matters.
Looking ahead at 2020
Everyone is waiting with anticipation for the healthy return of Roethlisberger. Big Ben back to full health means the Steelers are strong contenders in the AFC. However, the front office did nothing to address the problems at backup quarterback. If Roethlisberger cannot come back to 100 percent or if he gets hurt again, the backups don’t inspire confidence.
Overall
Roethlisberger is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Even at 38 years old is only two seasons removed from leading the league in passing yards. But the team’s stubbornness about the backup quarterback position could be its undoing.
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