Position group analysis and regular season roster prediction..... QB

The most important position on the offense has been occupied by a first ballot hall of famer, who's clearly at the end, but still highly effective... Big Ben is one yr removed now from major elbow surgery.. we were all excited last yr during the opening 11 games, but we all saw the wear and tear take it's toll the rest of the season and the team collapsed with him... Did he come back too soon?? Is he now fully back and ready to lead the team to great heights?? Does he have one last great run left in him.... At this point, all we know is that Ben is still our best option... What's behind Ben is where the real drama starts....A battle for 2nd and 3rd string is unfolding before our eyes, and while we all have our opinions of who will be next man up, the coaches haven't given any indication....
Now on to the individuals

Ben Roethlisberger: We've been highly spoiled for almost 2 decades, and are now looking at the type of uncertainty that hasn't been scene since the end of the Bradshaw era.... I have no doubt that Ben still has gas left in the tank.... Where I do have doubt is will he need to sit a game or 2 to heal, and recharge in order to avoid a repeat of last season's collapse... He is no longer the qb that strikes fear into blitzing dB's who are afraid of being made a fool of, but he can still deliver the rock....... All in all, I just want to see Big Ben ride off into the sunset after a successful season...


Mason Rudolph: I'm not sure what the coaches or scouts saw in Mason to make them believe that he could continue the tradition, but here he is... Rudolph throws a fairly pretty deep ball, but lacks the intangibles to elevate an offense, or the surgical skills to pick apart a defense.. he is what he is, and to my eye, that is a career backup (preferably 3rd string).... Right now, I believe he is losing that battle for the primary backup to the next man on this list... It actually wouldn't shock me if he were a surprise cut as he is the only QB that hasn't led the offense into the end zone yet this preseason .... Such a move would certainly makes waves.... It probably won't happen, but sometimes coach Tomlin can bring a surprise or 2

DeWayne Haskins: former 1st Rd pick who's off field issues almost led him to the unemployment office.... Haskins easily has the most arm talent of any of our qb's, including Ben.... If his head can catch up to his arm, then we may have a major find on our hands... He's already had one off field distraction, but has been saying all the right things.... Right now, I believe he has the advantage in the #2 battle.... Only time will tell if he could be the future that Washington initially was expecting, or if he can't get his head right..... I'm pulling for him


Josh Dobbs: almost a forgotten man in this competition, but has had his successes... He sets himself apart from all the other qb's with his legs.... while his arm is good enough, Dobbs is really the only mobile qb on the team, and that could very well save him a spot.....


Next up: RB

 

Not to be rude, but your opinions sound like what has been posted or reported on over and over already all thru the preseason.

 

Lets see how Haskins does when the monotony of being a back up in the regular season is breathing down his neck. Do the distractions pop up again or can he finally put them aside. I'm not pulling for one over the other (b/t Rudolph and Haskins), I just want the one that will give us the best chance of winning. I have hesitations with one guys off field stuff and hesitations with one guys on field stuff. Guess I'm pulling for Dobbs

 

I guess great minds think alike then

 

Only problem I see there is that most teams that have a GM with a sliver of common sense know that someone will be cut, and all they have to do is wait......
I'm pretty sure bill O'Brien is unemployed, so our options are limited

 

we traded P Brad Wing for a 7th. There's always someone looking imo and they'll want to jump others on the post-cut scramble

 

Again enjoyed the write up. Just didn't agree with anything, but Ben.
Both Qbs, Haskins, and Rudolph better get it through their heads, unless we suck, or Ben gets a major injury, He will be back at least one more Year.

 

As far as the depth chart goes, Mason is still our bu QB so why would we ever want to cut or trade him? Every team had a chance to get Haskins and passed. A couple of meaningless games against future Walmart employees doesn't change anything as far as I am concerned. I'll agree with BLs last Asked and Answered on this topic "Mason hasn't done anything to lose the backup QB position".

 

Ten times over, bingo

Can he stick to the day job and focus on his work. Love it.
This is the entire point I think. Can he hang out, learn, but keep the work going when he isn't the guy.

 

After Ben is given his one or two drives tonight and a brief interview, it will be showtime for Haskins and Rudolph to try and win the backup job for good. This should be an exciting competition to watch. I believe both will be given and equal share of snaps to try and stand out. I know I'm being captain obvious here but if neither shines then Dobbs will be given mop up duty and maybe even given a chance to start preseason game 4 if Haskins and Rudolph both squander their opportunity. Tonight will tell us a lot in regards to who backs up Ben this season but I still feel as though Bens replacement when he retires is not yet on this team. This FO has really whiffed on Bens replacement thus far. It may just take a 6 or less win season in the near future to find our next QB. Get ready for growing pains with this team. Not saying it will be the 80's all over again but they better figure this quagmire out quickly or there will be a lot of wasted years of talent on both sides of the ball moving forward.