Ok. We all know that ESPN NFL insider, Adam Shefter sent out one of the first tweets about the passing of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins. A tweet that was quickly deleted and revised. Question is..do you accept Adam’s apology? Click to listen below. #HereWeGo
It’s been nearly three days and I still cannot get over the untimely death of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dwayne Haskins. Which is why I continue to celebrate his life any chance I can get. And obviously I am not the only one to do so.
Buckeyes head coach, Ryan Day told reporters Monday morning that the football program will honor the late quarterback this Saturday during their Spring Game. An honor that is definitely well deserved.
Haskins died tragically when he was fatally struck by a dump truck in Florida early Saturday. He was 24 years old. Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud shows his dedication to Simba below.
Haskins, at age 11 knew that he was going to become a product of Ohio State. A video surfaced of him saying so while checking out the Buckeyes locker room. Courtesy of NBC Sports.
Even after the ill-timed, disrespectful Twitter comment by ESPN reporter, Adam Shefter and racist Dallas Cowboys employee, Gil Brandt..the NFL has still showed respect and admiration for a decent human being, who deserved more than what he was given.
So along with Ohio State, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins(Commanders)..Steelers World 1 honors DWAYNE HASKINS! A young man who lost his life way too soon. #HereWeGo
Look..I get it. Many of us Pittsburgh Steelers are most likely scratching our craniums over the recent signing of quarterback Mitch Trubisky. Wondering why the organization didn’t go after a DeShaun Watson or even a Jimmy Garoppolo. Well..their is a definite method to this madness, and I believe I know what it may be.
So without further ado..#HereWeGo
1) Despite the accolades coming from “soon-to-be” retired general manager Kevin Colbert, Mason Rudolph was not going to be the Steelers offensive leader this season..or any season for that matter. So for him to make such an asinine comment while heading out the door was somewhat laughable to me.
The fact that Rudolph has been sub-par as a backup to “BIG” Ben Roethlisberger and could not for his life beat the Cleveland Browns is fact of that.
2) Enter Mitch Trubisky. Once again although I was confused about his signing at first. I now comprehend what the Steelers are up to, and that is to basically stir the QB Pot. Because let’s face it, the organization is not looking to Trubisky to be the successor to #7. If that were so, why did the Buffalo Bills draft Josh Allen last season? 🤔
Even with the 2-year deal that Mitch Trubisky signed, he is not the answer and I am sure he knows this. Just bargaining chip for the organization to get what they want for the long haul. Like the signing of Dwayne Haskins last off-season, that coaxed Roethlisberger to reconsider retirement..the signing of Trubisky just means to the other QB’s “SHOW IF YOU’RE WORTH IT” or you’re out the door.
THE OBVIOUS: Pittsburgh will still be drafting a quarterback in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, whether that be Malik Willis, Kenny Picket(via trade up) or another remains to be seen. And with that pick it will push each and every quarterback on the roster to the limit. Because each will be wondering who will get that notice to empty their locker.
Keep in mind..Trubisky has a chance to start this season and most likely looking at the depth chart will. But do you really see him, Rudolph or Haskins as a mentor to the incoming quarterback? Two 1st Rounders..one third(Rudolph)..neither can lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to another Super Bowl. But the quarterback the Steelers will draft in the first round like Big Ben definitely will. Mark my words. #HereWeGo
I have never been one to beat around the bush or pull any punches when it comes to dissecting the needs of the Pittsburgh Steelers. So please don’t think that this will change, especially since it is a very serious topic that needs to be discussed.
It’s no secret. Steelers quarterback, “BIG” Ben Roethlisberger is retiring after eighteen(18) incredible seasons. All of which he had finished with the record of .500 or above. A task unmatched by even the supposed G.O.A.T’s (insert names here).
But anyway, back to the topic at hand. Who should be the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback from here on out. Let us examine.
MASON RUDOLPH: Oklahoma State..Drafted in 2018 by Pittsburgh Steelers
Since being drafted, Rudolph has accumulated a 5-4 record as a starter due to a Roethlisberger injury and positive COVID-19 test last season during the final game versus the Cleveland Browns. A game in which the Steelers lost 24-22.
Rewind to 2020 to the infamous “Helmet Bashing Game” when Mason had his dome smashed by his own helmet used by Cleveland Browns DE, Myles Garrett. Who is still a BITCH in my book. Yet..another game lost to the Browns by Rudolph.
“It’s knowing I can be a bit more myself and be the leader I’ve always been at the quarterback position,” Rudolph said Wednesday, “and not worried about stepping on the toes of a longtime Hall of Fame player. All of those things excite me.”
Mason, you were NEVER going to step on the toes of Ben Roethlisberger. The man has done more in his rookie year than you have done as a starter. So don’t give yourself praise you haven’t earned.
CASE IN POINT: If you are going to be the starting quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, you have to be able to beat the Cleveland Browns. Mason Rudolph has not shown the ability to do so. VOTE: NO
DWAYNE HASKINS: Ohio State..Drafted 1st Round..15th Pick in 2019 by Washington Redskins(Football Team)
Just going to call it like it is. Dwayne Haskins since being drafted out of Ohio State (my rival college Michigan) has never really had the opportunity to show his true potential. I mean look at the team he was drafted by, and the head coach running the show. No quarterback could succeed under such a “SHIT SHOW!”
Head coach, Ron Rivera benched Haskins one day after a loss to Rivera’s former team the Carolina Panthers. The thing is, Riverboat Ron didn’t know how to utilize Dwayne like he did Cam Newton when the Panthers made it to Super Bowl L(50) in 2016.
I believe Haskins can become the starter for the Steelers..but it is not my call.
CASE IN POINT: Haskins has really never gotten the opportunity to show off his talents in the NFL. Give him an organization like the Steelers and a HC like Mike Tomlin and he can succeed. VOTE: Perhaps 50/50
AS FAR AS VEGAS ODDS:
Personally, I see Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo and even Kirk Cousins as a viable free agent pick up. But don’t count out Aaron Rodgers. Let me know who you think is worthy to be Ben Roethlisberger’s predecessor below. #HereWeGo
Let’s get it out in the open. Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger is getting older and will not be their quarterback forever. So my question is..who will be his backup in 2021?
I understand we all have our ideas of who should be at the helm should Roethlisberger go down (GOD FORBID)..but we have to keep that aspect in mind. So with that, let’s dig into a couple of facts on each quarterback option.
MASON RUDOLPH: Third Round..#76 In 2018 Draft
I am not going to beat around the bush, Mason Rudolph was not welcomed with open arms when he was drafted in 2018 by the Steelers. But light came to his drafting when fellow Oklahoma State University wide receiver, James Washington was tossed into the mix. A combination that never came to fruition.
Rudolph has had going on 4 years to prove himself worthy of being Big Ben’s predecessor, but has actually shown very little improvement. I mean..let’s be honest, the only thing we remember Mason accomplishing was getting helmet smacked by Cleveland Browns linebacker, Myles Garrett.
Not saying Mason is not a “decent” quarterback, although former Steelers backup, Devlin “Duck” Hodges had a more impressive run due to his injury. Just saying he hasn’t impressed whatsoever.
In 15 total games, Rudolph has accumulated 2089 yards, 15 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Not bad numbers, but where is the flash? What game do we really remember Mason taking control? There is none.
DWAYNE HASKINS: First Round..#15 In 2019 Draft
Although Haskins may not have been all that productive with the Washington Redskins/Football Team, he wasn’t really surrounded by any top notch talent. Not to mention the sub-par coaching staff, but all of that can change in Pittsburgh.
ROETHLISBERGER ON HASKINS: “I was just telling Coach [Mike Sullivan] the other day that his release and throwing motion mechanics are some of the prettiest I’ve ever seen. I told him, I wish I had that. Just everything he does. And he throws the ball, I joked he could throw it through a car wash and it wouldn’t get wet.”
Pretty high praise for the future Hall of Famer, and something I never heard Big Ben say about Rudolph. Then again I never heard any positive words about Mason Rudolph out of Roethlisberger’s mouth. Either that or I must have missed it.
Look..I understand that Haskins’ 2804 yards and 12 touchdowns isn’t all that to stand up and clap about, but keep in mind that was with lesser targets in a 2 year..12 game span. As far as his attitude is concerned? Head coach Mike Tomlin is extremely capable of toning down that aspect. Fact is Dwayne has First Round Talent, it just needs to be honed in by a future Hall of Fame coach like Tomlin.
Long story short..I believe Dwayne Haskins will beat out Mason Rudolph for the #2 spot. This preseason will show Haskins value with his arm strength and mobility. But what do you think? Leave a comment down below telling me who should back up Big Ben and why. #HereWeGo
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger is doing all the right things when it comes to getting his rookies to rally around him. And that is giving them the confidence as well as the praise they need to pump them up. Something Big Ben has been accomplishing since the beginning of OTA’s last week.
“I think this offense is going to be completely different,” Roethlisberger said, via Steelers.com’s Missi Matthews. “You’re going to see nothing that you’ve seen in the past … it’s new and taking some extra studying, but it’s a fun new challenge.”Â
“Something you’ve never seen in the past”..is a very strong comment to make, especially since the Steelers have had some high powered offenses in the past. But Ben went on to praise individual players as well.
Regardless of how it turned out for Dwayne Haskins with the Washington Football Team..or what these “so-called” NFL experts have to say about him, I will listen and believe Roethlisberger 10 times out of 10 over them all.
Keep in mind that the future Hall of Fame quarterback is not one to pass out compliments all Willy Nilly. But he did offer some high praise for new Steelers quarterback Haskins..along with rookie running back, Najee Harris.
“He doesn’t seem lost. It’s not too big for him. His head’s not spinning,” said Roethlisberger. “He’s asking questions, which is good, but he’s out there, and he’s playing fast.”
But like us as fans, Ben is also looking forward to Harris actually hitting the field in game mode.
“I think the most exciting part about Najee that we are all going to be excited to see is once he gets it and it clicks, and he goes full speed, man, it is going to be something to see.”
The 39 year old Roethlisberger is the epitome of a class act quarterback, getting his proverbial backup and his star running back ready to do work. And hopefully bring home that elusive 7th Super Bowl Championship. #HereWeGo
Photo courtesy of Nfl.com
Why would they? I don’t even know where this ridiculous notion came from to be perfectly honest. Because it has been determined that veteran quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger will definitely be returning. A decision disliked by some, but loved by most. So the last position the Pittsburgh Steelers need to address is the QB position.
Let’s say Roethlisberger plays for one more year, the Steelers made the move to pick up former Washington Football Team QB, Dwayne Haskins. And in my opinion played in the wrong system for the wrong team. Losing his staring position to Alex Smith. But I believe can bring something to the table after Big Ben’s decided departure. Much mote than 3rd year backup, Mason Rudolph can bring..that is for sure.
Which brings me to the podcast interview former Steelers quarterback, Charlie Batch had with Steelers Depot Wednesday. And although I usually agree with Batch’s input involving the team, his input on Rudolph was way off the mark.
Come on now. Pittsburgh Steelers President, Art Rooney II said it best about Rudolph, saying back on the 28th of January that Mason can be a quarterback in this “league” and starter in this “league.” Never did he mention a quarterback or a starter for the Steelers.
Regardless of Rooney’s previous statement that he himself, and head coach Mike Tomlin have complete faith in Rudolph being the starter during the Roethlisberger situation. I truly believe those words spoken were just lip service for the 2019 third round draft pick.
“Well, obviously Mason Rudolph would be the number one person we’d think about,” Rooney told Pompeani. “And, you know, Mason’s had a good few years now in terms of putting himself in a position to potentially become a starter in this league. I think a few more preseason games, a little more playing time, would be what he needs. But I think what he’s shown so far, he’s capable of being a starter in this league.”
Pardon my french..but “BULLSHIT!” If that were the case, if he truly believes Rudolph would be the next man up, then why bring in the 15th overall pick in the 2019 draft Haskins? I will tell you why, it was a subtle yet firm statement to Mason to either produce or you will be replaced.
“We’re excited to see what Dwayne can do with us,” general manager Kevin Colbert said. “It didn’t work out for him in Washington. We had high grades on Dwayne coming out of Ohio State. He got picked a lot higher than we were able to make that decision. … He’s a young, talented quarterback that we’re anxious to see what he can do once he gets here and gets working with us.”Â
Let’s put it like this, the Steelers need to address three major positions in this year’s NFL Draft..Running Back(James Conner is out)..Offensive Tackle/Center(Alejandro Villanueva is out/Maurkice Pouncey retirement)..and Edge Rusher(may lose Bud Dupree). Fingers crossed on the latter that the organization works something out, but quarterback should be nowhere in the picture.
STEELERS WORLD 1 