Ben Roethlisberger OUT vs. Lions - Reserve/COVID-19 List

[Hypocycloids]

This isn't fair. It's a team game. Rudolph could set franchise single game records in all categories (not likely, I know) and still lose. Does it still mean he sucks because "he" couldn't beat the Lions?

One or two may try to spin it that way, but I think most would have to painfully admit that MR played well.

I bet MR throwing an interception will make some heads explode though, whereas seasoned veteran BR always gets a pass, no biggie.

 

[TDX27]

If we go conservative today, we lose. The Lions were probably going to put 8 in the box, now they definitely will and see if the line can hold up and if Rudolph can beat them. I think he can but only if they let him throw it. We want to run Najee but we can't come out and go run, run, pass all day or even most of the 1st half.

Diontae will be doubled. They won't throw to Washington. And, now we have 3 other scrub WR's. They will probably have to keep Muuth in to block. The D may need to bail us out in this one but maybe they will surprise us.

 

[Punxsutawney]

If we go conservative today, we lose. The Lions were probably going to put 8 in the box, now they definitely will and see if the line can hold up and if Rudolph can beat them. I think he can but only if they let him throw it. We want to run Najee but we can't come out and go run, run, pass all day or even most of the 1st half.

Diontae will be doubled. They won't throw to Washington. And, now we have 3 other scrub WR's. They will probably have to keep Muuth in to block. The D may need to bail us out in this one but maybe they will surprise us.

They have no choice but to throw to Washington at this point, unless they plan on Najee rushing well enough to keep Rudolph under 25 attempts.

As you said, that's unlikely to be the case, as the Lions will probably stack the line, like pretty much every team has done against the Steelers since the middle of last season.

I'm honestly looking forward to seeing what Washington and Rudolph do with their opportunities today.

Like it or not, there's like a 70% chance Rudolph is going to be the starting QB next season, and Washington might be willing to stay, given their history at OSU together and Juju likely not coming back.

 

[GILBERT]

gonna have to grind it out. Looks like it could be a sloppy weather day too. perhaps they will call a screen to harris with MR in (lol). D needs to play for 4 quarters.

and should eliminate the 'trap game' talk.

 

[TDX27]

They have no choice but to throw to Washington at this point, unless they plan on Najee rushing well enough to keep Rudolph under 25 attempts.

As you said, that's unlikely to be the case, as the Lions will probably stack the line, like pretty much every team has done against the Steelers since the middle of last season.

I'm honestly looking forward to seeing what Washington and Rudolph do with their opportunities today.

Like it or not, there's like a 70% chance Rudolph is going to be the starting QB next season, and Washington might be willing to stay, given their history at OSU together and Juju likely not coming back.

True but I still would be surprised if Tomlin allows Washington to see more than 50% of the No. 2 WR snaps today. He's had an issue with him for some reason since last year.

 

[Skott]

This game will be as much about Tomlins ability to coach a team without a HOF as it is a forever back up.

Let MR open up and play.

 

[TDX27]

This game will be as much about Tomlins ability to coach a team without a HOF as it is a forever back up.

Let MR open up and play.

Absolutely. Rudolph got most of the reps in practice the last 2 weeks with Ben hurting. He should be ready to play. Our game plan shouldn't change just because Rudolph is in there unless they actually want to throw it deeper as Rudolph may have a better long ball than Ben right now. Rudolph will have to beat them today. The Lions have nothing to lose and I expect them to have 8 in the box from the beginning and will blitz alot.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I dunno. We have been promised Mason was the heir with great potential. Home game against the Lions. Good time to trot out Rudolph. Not because we should win this game but because this is the type of game we usually should win and find a way to lose. If Rudolph can't come out and take command then we can check off the front office's "answer" to Ben nearing the end as being a failure.

That being said, either way, I hope Rudolph doesn't come to play and the coaches strap him with the +4 to -3 yard passing plays. I hope Rudolph doesn't come to play and the coaches strap him with the +4 to -3 yard passing plays.

That's the part that my coment was based on.

Quite the opposite. I wish for the win. This is the perfect scenario to see if all the years we invested in Rudolph were worth it. Hence the comment at the end that I hope they let him play and not hamstring him. Perfect game to know, or start to know, the "answer." Maybe I didn't say it best, but I will NEVER be the fan that desires a loss ... not for a better draft pick, not because the game doesn't "matter" and certainly not to prove or not prove my opinions right or wrong. I hope Rudolph comes out and drops dimes. I hope the coaches don't hold him back. But I won't be blind, in any case, to what this game could speak to the Steelers' future at the position ... good or bad.

I totally agree on an oportunity to help determine future QB. I'm also not determining on one game but will use it as an indicator. I think Rudolph has been judged prematurely due to circumstances and OC at the time. Today will definately be a test and help determine not just his future but a part of the future direction our Beloved STEELERS need to go.



Salute the nation

 

[Drink IRON City]

This game will be as much about Tomlins ability to coach a team without a HOF as it is a forever back up.

Let MR open up and play.

Been screaming that since Fitchner, open it up and let's see what Rednose has.


As for James Washington, I can't see Coach Tomlin grudging a player if it's impeading the win. If James gets on the field of play you can bet Mason finds him sooner rather than later.





Salute the nation

 

[SteelerinMD]

What's concerning is none of our backups haven't shown anything positive this year. Snell is the best of the bunch, but he seems to have fallen out of favor.

And McFarland is yet another healthy scratch?

Not sure who is back quicker? Tuitt or Banner

Ebron active, assuming over Miller

 

[wig]

This isn't fair. It's a team game. Rudolph could set franchise single game records in all categories (not likely, I know) and still lose. Does it still mean he sucks because "he" couldn't beat the Lions?

I just had to repost this in my half-drunken state.

It brought me such joy. Sarge. I don't think he broke any categories today. LOL. (I mean HARD Lol.)

 

[SteelerFan448]

And McFarland is yet another healthy scratch?

Not sure who is back quicker? Tuitt or Banner

Ebron active, assuming over Miller

I don't know who scouts running backs for the Steelers, but they need someone better. The Steelers are going to need a Day 3 running back next year...a legitimate backup.