The Future QB of the Steelers is...

[jens.karlsson.14]

Haskins got this, he will 100% make himself the obvious QB2 and take over from Ben.
My bet is that we trade Rudolph

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[DesertSteel]

I saw 2-3 games of the Redskins in 2019 where Haskins played just like he did last night. He's better than Rudolph.

[86WARD]

I saw 2-3 games of the Redskins in 2019 where Haskins played just like he did last night. He's better than Rudolph.

Right now what makes Haskins better is he’s showing vast improvement week to week with Pittsburgh. Rudolph has maintained (maybe showed a little improvement) week to week. Rudolph has a low floor, low ceiling. Haskins has a low floor, high ceiling and looks like he can raise the floor as he progresses.

[teegre]

A Ravens fan noticed how Haskins has improved this preseason under Tomlin… so, it’s not just us “biased” (hopeful?) Steelers fans.

[Fire Goodell]

I honestly think he deserves a closer look (start over Rudolph). We know what we have with Rudolph already, who's nothing more than a slight improvement over Landry Jones. I like the kid, but we all know by now being an NFL starter isn't in his future. Haskins however has the potential to be a starter. The fact he led the Steelers offense to its only scoring drives in the last game is worth a mention. Yeah I know he came in with the #3s, but he deserves a shot regardless.

[hawaiiansteeler]

Stock Up

Dwayne Haskins

It would be unfair to credit Dotson too much for the offense’s success between the mid-second and early fourth quarters. That’s also when Haskins played. Haskins was efficient, going 16 of 22 — with two other throws dropped. He had a 22-yard touchdown pass that is laudable as much for the decision (it was a “free play” after an offsides flag) as it was the on-the-run throw that traveled more than 30 air yards.

The Steelers’ point production has been much higher this preseason with Haskins than under Mason Rudolph, although Rudolph has faced higher-caliber defenses and has been hurt by other players’ penalties and mistakes. Still, Haskins has entered the legitimate conversation to earn the backup job. Perhaps more importantly — barring an off-the-field slip-up — he has absolutely locked up a roster spot and opportunity to show he can make a case to be part of the Steelers’ longterm plans.

https://triblive.com/sports/stock-up...reseason-game/

[DesertSteel]

Right now what makes Haskins better is he’s showing vast improvement week to week with Pittsburgh. Rudolph has maintained (maybe showed a little improvement) week to week. Rudolph has a low floor, low ceiling. Haskins has a low floor, high ceiling and looks like he can raise the floor as he progresses.

Rudolph just doesn't put the team in the end zone. Same as in 2019.

[Fire Goodell]

Rudolph just doesn't put the team in the end zone. Same as in 2019.

Yep, same problem Landry Jones had. I'm all for giving Haskins a shot.

[steelreserve]

We know what Rudolph is by now. Capable of playing ok sometimes, maybe acceptable in limited spot duty if you catch some breaks. But not likely to become more than that. A ceiling of roughly Charlie Batch.

Haskins could possibly be good enough to be an acceptable starter at some point, or possibly not. Can't hurt to find out more.

[teegre]

We know what Rudolph is by now. Capable of playing ok sometimes, maybe acceptable in limited spot duty if you catch some breaks. But not likely to become more than that. A ceiling of roughly Charlie Batch.

Haskins could possibly be good enough to be an acceptable starter at some point, or possibly not. Can't hurt to find out more.

^^THIS^^

And, to be clear: there is value in having a capable & trustworthy backup.

[Born2Steel]

I was a fan of the 'capable backup QB'. Then Jones takes a $2M per year contract without even testing the FA waters. That told me he was ok with being a mediocre backup and had no intention of getting any better. Fast forward to today....Mason Rudolph takes a 1 year/$3M contract to be Ben's backup. (Ben is 300 years old coming off elbow surgery on his throwing arm)

You are what you believe you are.

[fansince'76]

I was a fan of the 'capable backup QB'. Then Jones takes a $2M per year contract without even testing the FA waters. That told me he was ok with being a mediocre backup and had no intention of getting any better.

I'd gladly take $2 million per to hold a clipboard.

[Fire Goodell]

I'd gladly take $2 million per to hold a clipboard.

Not to mention his agent probably told him that's the best deal he's gonna get

[teegre]

I'd gladly take $2 million per to hold a clipboard.

[steelreserve]

^^THIS^^

And, to be clear: there is value in having a capable & trustworthy backup.

There's value in that, but I'm not sure if Rudolph gives us enough advantage as a "known quantity" backup over the pretty-good but vaguely unknown quantity of Haskins to choose the former. Either could probably fill that role. And either will probably have his ups and downs.

My Spider sense tells me that either of these guys will probably be about the same in the backup role,, but there is a 0% chance of Rudolph being our future QB. And there may be a 1%-2% chance of Haskins being our "real" future QB, but a 25%-50% chance of being an ok interim QB. Better in both ways, why not go for it. That's still below 50% by the way, but that's football.

[Born2Steel]

I'd gladly take $2 million per to hold a clipboard.

As would I. But as a professional ball player there needs to be a lack of contentment with, a backup role first, and second there needs to be a drive to compete for the starting job. Even if that means with a different team. We all know Jones wasn't going to usurp Ben, but he could have at least fielded offers from a QB needy team before signing on for 2 more years holding a clipboard. I guess my point is there is no drive to be better, at least outwardly, from Jones then, and Rudolph now. THAT is the disappointment.

[teegre]

There's value in that, but I'm not sure if Rudolph gives us enough advantage as a "known quantity" backup over the pretty-good but vaguely unknown quantity of Haskins to choose the former. Either could probably fill that role. And either will probably have his ups and downs.

My Spider sense tells me that either of these guys will probably be about the same in the backup role,, but there is a 0% chance of Rudolph being our future QB. And there may be a 1%-2% chance of Haskins being our "real" future QB, but a 25%-50% chance of being an ok interim QB. Better in both ways, why not go for it. That's still below 50% by the way, but that's football.

Oh, I agree with all of that. I stated something very similar (about Haskins having the potential of being a future starter) in another thread.

Let me clarify my comment about valuing a backup. I’d keep Rudolph, even if/when Haskins passes him on the depth chart, because Rudolph is a very good backup. Like Frank Reich was to Jim Kelly.

[Mojouw]

As would I. But as a professional ball player there needs to be a lack of contentment with, a backup role first, and second there needs to be a drive to compete for the starting job. Even if that means with a different team. We all know Jones wasn't going to usurp Ben, but he could have at least fielded offers from a QB needy team before signing on for 2 more years holding a clipboard. I guess my point is there is no drive to be better, at least outwardly, from Jones then, and Rudolph now. THAT is the disappointment.

What time in their right mind was going to give Landry Jones a chance to compete for anything? His tape was not good at best. Maybe I am remembering wrong, but he was lucky that the Steelers brought him back as a back-up. I don't remember anyone being interested in Jones for anything...

As for Rudolph, the Steelers are his best path to a starting gig. They, for reasons, are far higher on him than the rest of the league - as has been reported through multiple outlets. Staying in Pittsburgh was Rudolph's best path to a starting gig or at least a legit competition for one. No one else, reportedly, wanted him for that - at all.

[Mojouw]

Stray thought...

...Assume Haskins emerges on the Steelers as a competent NFL back-up. Is that good coaching?

...Assume Haskins emerges on the Steelers as a competent NFL starter? Is that good coaching?

They took a guy that almost no one wanted and viewed as a broken toy. Now...it appears that they have a plan in place to slowly grow the guy as a player and a person. Long story short, perhaps the organization and coaching staff knows their business - despite rumors to the contrary?

[EzraTank]

At this point if this path continues there is no reason to keep Rudolph. It is not like you can sign a guy like Fitzpatrick to give you what Mason does if you get into a bad place. And let's face it, if both Ben and Haskins go down this season is over anyhow.

I keep Ben, Haskins and Dobbs. At some point I give Haskins some starts if possible in the real season as well even if we have to fake an injury to Ben to make it happen.

[steelreserve]

Oh, I agree with all of that. I stated something very similar (about Haskins having the potential of being a future starter) in another thread.

Let me clarify my comment about valuing a backup. I’d keep Rudolph, even if/when Haskins passes him on the depth chart, because Rudolph is a very good backup. Like Frank Reich was to Jim Kelly.

It is never a bad thing to have more than one decent backup. It's not like either of them is costing us an arm and a leg. And it's especially smart to keep both when we know the starting QB is not likely to be playing for much longer. As far as playing time right now - I am much more interested to see what Haskins has to offer.

[teegre]

It is never a bad thing to have more than one decent backup. It's not like either of them is costing us an arm and a leg. And it's especially smart to keep both when we know the starting QB is not likely to be playing for much longer. As far as playing time right now - I am much more interested to see what Haskins has to offer.

Agreed. We already know what we have in Rudolph. Ergo, I want to see Haskins get a ton of the snaps in the third & fourth preseason game.

[Born2Steel]

What time in their right mind was going to give Landry Jones a chance to compete for anything? His tape was not good at best. Maybe I am remembering wrong, but he was lucky that the Steelers brought him back as a back-up. I don't remember anyone being interested in Jones for anything...

As for Rudolph, the Steelers are his best path to a starting gig. They, for reasons, are far higher on him than the rest of the league - as has been reported through multiple outlets. Staying in Pittsburgh was Rudolph's best path to a starting gig or at least a legit competition for one. No one else, reportedly, wanted him for that - at all.

None. None times were. That was my exact point. It was the fact that he didn't even look for one that soured me on him.

[Mojouw]

None. None times were. That was my exact point. It was the fact that he didn't even look for one that soured me on him.

I take the not looking as both the player and the agent KNEW what the market was and it was zero.

These guys don't hit FA without basically knowing the score. Tampering is only illegal on a oft ignored piece of paper somewhere in the league office.

Bottom line, no other teams wanted any part of Jones or Rudolph.

[Born2Steel]

I take the not looking as both the player and the agent KNEW what the market was and it was zero.

These guys don't hit FA without basically knowing the score. Tampering is only illegal on a oft ignored piece of paper somewhere in the league office.

Bottom line, no other teams wanted any part of Jones or Rudolph.

Correct. So why should WE want them? A clipboard holder with some measure of NFL value is a better option. Just my opinion. The special teamer ace that is a total defensive liability has more value to the team.

[Steeler-in-west]

Rudolph played really well in the season finale against the browns. I’m comfortable with him coming in for a game or two if Ben gets hurt. Of Haskins i just seen some highlights, he’s got a quicker release and maybe stronger arm but most of his passes where short passes. The touchdown pass on the run was nice but kind of wobbly, and the receiver was wide open. Would like to see a little more from Haskins. I don’t think Rudolph has done anything to lose his no 2 spot yet.

[Born2Steel]

In the preseason games the defenses are mostly staying man with some zone concepts but with few blitzes so far. Man with little to no QB pressure allows for open receivers and easier passes for the QBs. I wouldn't put too much thought into receivers running open, it's sort of expected. What is more telling is missing open receivers with little to no QB pressure. Mental mistakes without the blitz right in your face. Haskins definitely did better in the HoF game. I think Haskins did a little better vs the Eagles. Just my own opinion based off my own score sheet.

Think back to 2019. Duck or Mason?

[Steeler-in-west]

[QUOTE=Born2Steel;773284

Think back to 2019. Duck or Mason?[/QUOTE]

rudolph’s evolved since then, browns game: end of last season - a game with playoff implications

[Mojouw]

Correct. So why should WE want them? A clipboard holder with some measure of NFL value is a better option. Just my opinion. The special teamer ace that is a total defensive liability has more value to the team.

That to me, is the more interesting discussion point then that guys like Jones and Rudolph just instantly re-upped with the Steelers. I know why they did that. No one else wanted them. What I don't know is why the Steelers seem to just hang on to marginal QB back-ups?

I much more prefer the trend they have been on recently of cycling guys like Dobbs, Hodges, Lynch, and Haskins through and seeing if they get lucky. I really could care less about having a "competent back-up" or whatever. If that guy has to play more than 1-2 games, your franchise is screwed that year anyways...unless you catch Nick Foles lightening in a bottle. Other than that...your losing a ton of games.

So why not have guys with actual developmental potential on your roster rather than a guy like Jones and I suspect Rudolph that are maxed out at barely competent? Something I have never understood about the Steelers approach to the back-up QB position. Even going back to Charlie Batch...they let that dude hang around WAY after he was cooked.

[HollywoodSteel]

That to me, is the more interesting discussion point then that guys like Jones and Rudolph just instantly re-upped with the Steelers. I know why they did that. No one else wanted them. What I don't know is why the Steelers seem to just hang on to marginal QB back-ups?

I much more prefer the trend they have been on recently of cycling guys like Dobbs, Hodges, Lynch, and Haskins through and seeing if they get lucky. I really could care less about having a "competent back-up" or whatever. If that guy has to play more than 1-2 games, your franchise is screwed that year anyways...unless you catch Nick Foles lightening in a bottle. Other than that...your losing a ton of games.

So why not have guys with actual developmental potential on your roster rather than a guy like Jones and I suspect Rudolph that are maxed out at barely competent? Something I have never understood about the Steelers approach to the back-up QB position. Even going back to Charlie Batch...they let that dude hang around WAY after he was cooked.

Well, I kind of get it seeing as we’ve had a team for the better part of the 21st century that did very well with a guy like Charlie Batch as our #2. We were good enough that we didn’t need Nick Foles lightning in a bottle, and we didn’t want to sacrifice winnable games by having a #2 with sky high potential but without the head on his shoulders to simply not lose the game.

Also we have to remember that for almost all of Ben’s career we had no interest in developing a project with sky high potential because we weren’t looking for Ben’s replacement. What we needed was mostly a guy that Ben and the OC liked on the sidelines and in the meetings, who knew the system and could usually be counted on not to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Ben and the staff liked Jones, and I can certainly see why he was more valuable to the Steelers than he would have been on the open market. I also don’t remember any missed opportunity in keeping him over some sky high potential prospect. When Jones seemed to be our best option we kept him. When he wasn’t we let him go.

Now of course our situation is very different. The risk vs reward spectrum when it comes to a back up who is raw but has starter potential. That’s why no one in their right mind would want to cut Haskins this year, even if both Rudolph and Dobbs proved to be more “steady” back ups in preseason.