With Training Camp about two weeks away, I’m going to examine a series of questions that fans seem to be discussing. The Pittsburgh Steelers, like every other team in the NFL, have interesting decisions and potential ones to consider. Today’s topic is the number two quarterback.
What We Know
Aaron Rodgers is the starting quarterback. Drew Allar is the third quarterback. Also on the roster are the veteran Mason Rudolph and the second-year man Will Howard. If you aren’t familiar with how the NFL typically operates, anytime you spend a day one or day two pick on a QB you aren’t cutting that player or trying to stow them away on the Practice Squad. This is why I say that Allar is your number three.
What We Don’t Know
We have no idea what Mike McCarthy is thinking. As a long time NFL head coach, McCarthy has a mixed history in terms of choosing a young, unproven backup or a veteran. What is unique about this situation is that Rodgers isn’t a QB in his prime, he’s going to be 43 during the season. That creates an even more tenuous situation in regards to who the number two is.
As for the Major Question
Unlike other positions where there is more of a gray area, this one is black and white. Will McCarthy go with Rudolph or Howard? Now if you paid any attention this week to the conversations that followed Aaron Rodgers’ “team bonding photos,” then you already know how this plays out. Fans and pundits seem to believe that because Will Howard was not in the photos with Rodgers out in Wyoming and Rudolph was that therefore the decision has been made.
You know what? Maybe it is that simple. Perhaps that’s what this was – a clear message as to who Rodgers’ backup was going to be. I think we go way too far down the rabbit hole sometimes don’t we? Maybe Howard had a conflict and couldn’t make it. The fact that I’m even addressing this is… anyway.
How It Plays Out
I really haven’t wavered on how I feel this goes. I’ve been pretty convinced that Mike McCarthy will go with Rudolph at number two and these are my reasons. Number one is that Will Howard was not a McCarthy draft pick. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t like Howard, but coaches are usually very sensitive about QBs they haven’t had a hand in selecting. Number two is what I referred to earlier. Last season Rodgers broke his wrist. He only missed one game but McCarthy has to know the likelihood of Rodgers playing all 17 games is slim.
Therefore, having a veteran QB who can run the offense and give you a chance to win is huge. Right now – as I write this – we have to trust Rudy far more than we can trust Howard. One guy has started almost 20 career games while the other hasn’t taken an NFL snap yet. In fact, Howard hasn’t taken a meaningful snap in two years. Therefore, I’m not overthinking this. Rudolph is the backup.
