Good Christmas Eve to you Steelers’ fans.
With yesterday’s news that Mason Rudolph will not play due to his injured left shoulder, that means the Steelers will roll the dice with Duck Hodges at QB. Paxton Lynch will back him up on Sunday. The Ravens announced yesterday that they would be resting a significant number of starters which should help Hodges’ chances for success but my confidence level doesn’t exactly feel high right now. While he’s been a fun and terrific story, Hodges just isn’t an NFL quarterback. This doesn’t mean he can’t do exactly what he has done in terms of be a spot starter but I think that’s his ceiling. Nevertheless Mike Tomlin has little choice but to go with him on Sunday. That said, would turning the keys over to Lynch be really that bad if things aren’t going well? Personally I don’t think so but I’m guessing Tomlin will stay with Duck as long as he can.
Typical Tuesday
It may be a very special day for many of us around the world but it’s just Tuesday for the Steelers. The players will enjoy their day off while Mike Tomlin gives what could be his final presser of the season.
Tweet of the Day… Can’t argue with this.
There may not be a player in the NFL who endured a more star-crossed season than Mason Rudolph.
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) December 24, 2019
Big Ben News
Two different things came out yesterday which exemplify exactly what I believe we will see over the next several months. ESPN’s Chris Mortenson reporter that Ben Roethlisberger is no guarantee to return. He cited the lack of actual Tommy John surgery and suggested what he had done may be more problematic. Not long after this, ESPN reported that Big Ben is definitely planning to come back in 2020. Drama and conflicting stories have always followed Roethlisberger and I expect this to be no different.
The AB Story on ESPN
Many of you have now read Jeremy Fowler’s long piece on Antonio Brown. As a person, it is sad and I ultimately fear for the safety of Brown and his children. As a person who has followed football and has chosen to specifically follow this team I have very little sympathy for him. The Steelers knew of his mood swings and mental health when they drafted him. Friends of mine at Central Michigan told me time and time again of Brown’s Jekyll and Hyde behavior on campus there. Ultimately I find it amazing the Steelers got out of him what they did. If you’re upset about Tomlin’s “Special Rules” for AB you shouldn’t be. Tomlin is far from the first professional coach to tolerate stars while treating other players differently. I don’t care for it personally but I get it. Fowler is a really good journalist but his decision to interview Josh Harris for the story is disappointing and many of you know why. The bottom line is that many of us loved AB and we had every right to but he is where he is because of himself. His is yet another cautionary tale for future professional athletes.
Have a great Christmas Eve Steeler Nation!
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