OTA (Organized Team Activities) practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers has been completed. National Champion for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Will Howard, has been put in charge of the Pittsburgh offense for 2025. There were a lot of uncertainties coming into the draft. This was true for the majority of teams that needed a quarterback. Now when looking at him, there was a rocky start on day 1. It is surprising how he has adapted to develop under Mason Rudolph. He has also broken out to potentially be the starter on day 1. Who will actually be the starter week one when Pittsburgh travels to MetLife Stadium to take on the Jets? This question is too hard to tell being this far out from the regular season. We can however make predictions if Mason Rudolph is to start and do the same for Will Howard. So here are my three predictions for how each Quarterback will affect the Steelers season. Let’s begin with Mason Rudolph, who is the veteran in this case.
Rudolph has the opportunity to start for the black and gold brigade in the 2025 season. He will face a struggling New York Jets franchise. What most people tend to do is overlook Mason Rudolph and make assumptions that he falls to pressure. While there won’t be “season on the line” pressure, the situation will test him. The 29-year-old could lose his job to Howard. That is contingent however on how he performs in the first 3 games of the regular season. Rudolph can still play when needed. He proved this by leading the Steelers to a win. They defeated division rival Cincinnati Bengals 34-11. (I was at that game). When we observe games like this, we see that Rudolph has shown recent evidence. He can lead an offense. In one game, he threw for 290 yards and 2 touchdowns. Those who know the NFL well, however, also realize a QB is only as good as his receivers. Rudolph had quality receivers. George Pickens (his main target) had 4 receptions for 2 touchdowns and 195 yards. Counterpart Allen Robinson, having 4 receptions for 36 yards. Pittsburgh is in a similar situation. They have Jalen Warren at running back for assistance. The receivers include DK Metcalf and many others that are unknown at this time. Pittsburgh’s receiving core overall will be different from years past, but Metcalf is an established veteran. My confusion lies in what Pittsburgh was thinking in the George Pickens trade. I’m confused. If Pittsburgh was already planning to trade Pickens, why didn’t they go for a wide receiver in the draft? I’m not saying get a receiver instead of Derrick Harmon in the first round. I’m saying possibly go with someone like Isaiah Bond in the 2nd or 3rd round. Where the offense will shine however is with rushing, while Najee Harris left for LA. This should not negatively affect the Steelers since they have Jaylen Warren, and Trey Sermon, a former Buckeye.
Now let’s begin with the predictions and analysis for 2024 Offensive MVP Will Howard. He is overall one of the best options in this year’s QB class. However, as with everyone, there is an adjustment period. Going from West Chester, Pennsylvania to Columbus, Ohio, and now he is back in the Keystone State. Howard had a phenomenal 2024 campaign at Ohio State, passing for 4,010 yards and 35 touchdowns. While watching him during his time at Ohio State, he reminded me a lot of Peyton Manning. This is because he can throw the ball, but he’s not going to be the fastest guy on earth. He also isn’t a one-man show, like Peyton who had targets like Marvin Harrison, Reggie Wayne, and Marcus Pollard. Howard shows these characteristics by having talents like Jerimiah Smith and Emeka Egbuka. He also has the run game of Trey Sermon and Quinshon Judkins. Now these weapons will be different, but I think it will be a positive difference. The stakes are higher now and the weapons will be there if coached right. Arthur Smith, the offensive coordinator is entering his second season at the helm for the Steelers. He needed to get his ground made, and to have Howard who is impressionable. It is time for the Steelers to step up. They need to decide if they will emerge with Will Howard as their starter on day 1. They need to prepare and more importantly Howard needs to work this summer. To show the Pittsburgh Steelers that he is the quarterback of the future and nothing will be handed to him. Now if this is attainable, we will have to wait and see.
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