Do you want Ben as our starting QB in 2021?

i am not sure I am seeing it either with Mason but I'd like to find out. Can't really count last year when Ben was out and they threw Mason is with as much experience as a rookie. The whole season was a hot mess with injuries all over. Plus, enduring an OC that couldn't call a HS offensive game plan when Mason or Duck were in. Then the only other game he played in was against Cleveland this year and played respectable (even with backups against a team in do or die mode). I don't think Ben is able, literally, to make it through another season because if its going to be like the last half of this past season, I'll take Mason over Ben. I hate to say that but Mason gives us more options to do things we need to do unless something happened, not rumors or arm chair MD diagnosis's, that he did play hurt but that is correctable next season. JMO.

 

As bad as Mason is in the pocket, he’s still worlds above Ben at this point. I was actually shocked how fluid he looked in the Cleveland game - then realized that’s only because I’m comparing him to Ben, who essentially doesn’t move any more.

 

Here is what I think happens..

Ask Ben to take a massive pay cut, if he wants to play, let him play, if Ben struggles insert Mason.

If Ben balks and retires roll with Rudolph for 2021. A combo of Mason, Journeyman backup (mentor) and Haskins.

Steelers need to invest this draft in Offensive Line, Running back, and hopefully hit on another linebacker for the inside, because I think Williams will be a cap casualty.

If Mason is poop, the season is toast, he is going to have a hard time with not a great line (young) around him and a brutal 2021 schedule. If Mason is super poop, play Haskins (what would you have to lose at that point)
Then maybe we are picking somewhere in the Top 15 or Top 10, because I don't see the Steelers being bad enough to go, 3-13, 4-12 or 5-11,
I could see 6-10 or 7-9. Mainly because the defense is still a decent one with some great players.

If Mason is great then that is a good thing. But at least invest a draft in O-Line, its not sexy or attractive but it needs done period.

Then by 2022 the Big Ben Cap hit is gone, and we should be in a lot better shape by 2022.

 

What if Haskins shines?

 

This Defense, when fully healthy, has shown it can win 8 games total. Having good QB play likely ascends that total by two minimum; three max. That said, none of this is a factor if the QB does not have the protection needed along the Offensive Line.


I am personally half tempted to place Wyatt Davis in my rankings but am unable to. Seeing him fall to 24 just is not possible as he is way too talented to fall that fall. He is a Top 15 Pick in this draft at worst. That said, should he fall to 24, I would recommend the Steelers re-enact their David DeCastro Performance and just say his name right after whomever the Jets pick up.



My money is still on Mayfield or J.O.K. Preferably J.O.K. but Creed Humphrey would not shock me in the slighest.

 

This cracked me up. Lol.

Maybe it's just he Kraken and Coke.

 

Was listening to Ramon Foster on the DK podcast today, he was saying that knowing Colbert and the language he used on Wednesday that he is in no doubt he wants Ben to retire, and I very much doubt Colbert went on the call with reporters and put that out there without the blessing of DMR and MT.

At this stage I’d honestly be surprised if he’s back.

 

I’d expect a decision within days of the salary cap announcement. I’d say that may be a factor as well

 

Maybe Tomlin gets outvoted, gets pissed off, and we kill two birds with one stone?

But seriously, IMO, bringing Ben back has zero upside. We aren't winning playoff games with him. He handcuffs this offense. And putting him under center does nothing to move the offense away from HIS offense to his replacement's. He would be a lame duck qb, a one year stop gap between now and the next season, with little prospect of success. And I define success as winning playoff games, not having a winning record during the regular season.

I'm not sold on Mason Bouchard. I have no idea what we have in Haskins. But I really don't care. Let them fight it out in camp. Pick the best one. Keep him on a short leash. Hell, flip a coin every week. Again, I don't care. I just want us to move on. Tomlin wants Ben because between Ben and our defense, his precious winning % in the regular season is safe. Without Ben, he gets exposed and has to actually coach.

We're not guaranteed a franchise qb, this season or for the next decade. We might just have to elevate our play around whoever is under center. Why not start sooner than later?

 

From a fan's point, there is no way I want him back either.

 

Fredo’s got a good heart, but he’s weak and he’s stupid and this is life or death.

 

Let's be honest ... picking Ben was a layup pick for KC, and Ben has made KC look really good over the years.

He should thank his lucky stars every year Ben plays...

 

It’d be strange to see him play under center, period.

From the reported comments, I think his time in black and gold is over.

 

Mason and Haskins and Dobbs are all better overall for the Team at this point than Ben..All 3 QB'S can actually move some , all 3 can play under Center , all 3 can and will turn their back to the Defense ...You promote a man to OC I am sure you ask him what his vision for the Offense is and I am sure our OC didn't say a statue QB running from the gun and the only 2 run plays will be delayed draw and end around...

As I stated going into the playoff game the only way to really fix the run game starts with a change at the QB spot in this situation..Thanks Ben you did fairly good overall he could have done much more had he been more dedicated, but it's past time to move on ..

 

I doubt he is even on the team next season so that won't be a variable.

 

Dobbs is a free agent, he won't be back.

 

I not sure him and Matt seemed kind of tight so the new OC might really like him , Dobbs doesn't strike me as a guy who would leave over a few dollars..I could see the OC stating we are going to open this Offense up and you will have a chance to move up the depth chart if you show command and understanding of the scheme...

To me it all depends on the relationship him and Matt have and what Matt thinks of Dobbs ...

 

Like my Kraken with Ginger ale & cranberry juice