George Harris
Jan 07, 2024 - 02:05

Mason Rudolph vs Kenny Pickett: Chris Hoke Says Rudolph Is Better

Steelers quarterback controversy heats up as Mason Rudolph leads team to three consecutive victories, outperforming Kenny Pickett. Playoffs are within reach.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are currently facing a quarterback controversy, as their first-round pick is now serving as the backup to their third-string quarterback, Mason Rudolph. Despite entering the season as the third-stringer, Rudolph has led the team to three consecutive victories and given them a chance to make it to the playoffs.

Rudolph's 3-0 record as a starter is impressive, as are his numbers. He finished the regular season with 55 completions on 74 attempts for 719 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions, with a quarterback rating of over 118. Although it's a small sample size, Rudolph has shown effective quarterback play.

In contrast, Kenny Pickett went 7-3 this year when he was able to start and play the majority of the game, but his numbers are unremarkable. He completed 201 passes on 324 attempts for 2,070 yards and only six touchdown passes. While he had just four interceptions, Pickett's performance is not as impressive as Rudolph's.

Former Steelers player Chris Hoke expressed his opinion on the matter, stating that "Mason Rudolph is better than Kenny Pickett" on the KDKA Nightly Sports Call show. Hoke believes that Rudolph has opened up the Steelers' offense and instilled confidence in the team, leading to their improved performance over the last three weeks.

The Steelers' turnaround has been significant, as they were 7-7 just three weeks ago after losing three straight games. The team's offense was struggling, and there were talks of making changes, including trading players and replacing the head coach. However, Rudolph's performance has brought about a positive change in the team's dynamics.

Overall, Rudolph has demonstrated better quarterback play than Pickett, showing accuracy, poise, and the ability to make quick decisions on the field. Pickett will need to work on his performance in the offseason if he wants to retain the starting quarterback position for the Pittsburgh Steelers.