If you really want a veteran back-up QB...

I say our new QB coach will prove you wrong next year.

I still have hope for both Mason and Paxton to turn out to be the real deal.

Looking forward to hearing the comments from Canada about these 2 QBs. If he can make a believer out of Tomlin then we can finally say goodbye to Randy Fichtner hopefully after next year.

 

Hey Vox Ferrum.

Thank you. I just read it. Very informative.


STEELWINDS AKA The East Side Kid

 

‘We Feel Good About It’: Steelers Team President Art Rooney II Says Steelers Don’t Plan On

Bringing In Another Veteran Backup QB

By Bob Pompeani
January 15, 2020

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Steelers President Art Rooney II said the team feels good about its quarterback situation heading into next season.

The team lost starter Ben Roethlisberger to injury in Week 2 and had to rely on backups Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges as the team battled for a postseason berth.

Rooney II expects Roethlisberger back under center in 2020.

“We feel good about it,” Rooney II told KDKA’s Bob Pompeani in an exclusive interview. “Obviously, we have to monitor it as the offseason progresses. But for now, we feel good about Ben coming back and playing at a high level next year and Mason being his backup. I don’t think, at this point, we really plan to explore brining in another veteran backup QB.”

to read rest of article:

https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/202...-dont-plan-on-bringing-in-another-veteran-qb/

 

Having 30 mill tied up into Ben may not allow for a vet backup to come on board.

 

I look forward to that and hope like heck he waves his magic wand cause no matter what we still have Fitchner here to screw them up. You can spray whatever you want on dog poop to make it smell better but at the end of the day it will still be dog poop..........

 

Especially with so many other needs/fa's. However when the QB position is the most important position on the field and that was proven last year I would reconsider that statement right?

 

They probably will depending on Ben's prognosis in the coming months. There probably won't be a lot of money left for a quality backup QB. They will have a least until March 18th to decide which direction to head.

 

There is never a lot of money left for anything but if they want a vet QB they can find the money. IMO it is all about what they want, I see they just said they are fine with Mason so they feel like they are good there.

 

I think we are good... no need for a vet.
RM is in 3rd year now.
Let us spend that money else where to build a team to insert a QB in and be successful.

 

He is called the Amish Rifle. The Harvard gunslinger could run Ben's offense better than any backup i can think of. Ben would step his game up.

 

Why? Didn't get the Jets over the hump?

 

Just never liked him........

 

Remember when people were complaining that the team “wasted” a 3rd round pick on a QB, when they already had Ben and a lot of other needs?

Starter-capable backup QBs are expensive, and would be even more of a waste if Ben stays healthy most of the next season.

 

The reason the MR pick was stupid has nothing to do with whether or not he is any good. At the time the Steelers took him we were strong on offense and terribly weak on defense. And I don't blame Ben for being pissed about the pick! That pick could have helped on defense but was totally useless used on a guy who would not see the field unless Ben went down in which case we were done anyway unless that guy turns out to be the next Tom Brady......utterly foolish pick.

But it's all moot if our goal is "non-losing seasons"

 

Can you blame Ben for talking retirement at the time? Because I’m sure that may have factored in the team’s decision.

 

If you remember, this was just after we gave away a critical game to Dallas in week 11 of the 2016 season due to undisciplined play by the defense and Ben said in his post game news conference that the team was undisciplined and unaccountable. Following that season Ben hinted at retirement and the Steelers vowed to do everything in their power to bolster the weak defense. The next year they use a 3rd round pick on MR while the defense continued to be the glaring weakness. WTF?

 

I love Ben, but he's an idiot when it comes to the long term picture. I understand why they used a 3rd rd pick for a QB, what I don't understand is why the hell you select Mason Randolph. If you are committed in getting a young promising QB who could learn from a Pro like Ben, You have to reach into the later 1st rd or early 2nd rd. Waiting for a QB to fall into your lap past the second rd is dumb.

 

Today's elite QB's don't sit behind a veteran for 3-4 years, they play their first year or second at worst. Using that pick on a QB was dumb any way you look at it. If you believe Ben is completely done, go get the next elite QB, if you believe that Ben has 2-3 good years left go get help on defense.

There is no possible scenario where drafting a middle of the road QB makes sense......unless they thought MR was the next Tom Brady......in which case you need to request a mental health evaluation!

 

Not the way I remember it at all....
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...-camp-that-he-could-retire-after-2017-season/

 

January 2017 is immediately following the 2016 season

 

Hey Hawaii 5-0.

I am not sure how Mr. Rooney can go on record with his statements. The facts are the facts. The Offense was simply anemic with the QBs that we had (Mason & Duck). Given that both were basically rookies. It seems that Ben's contract is handcuffing the Front Office to make any moves for a creditable back-up. For the record, IMO Ben is worth every penny.

However, given the top-notch Defense that we now have we need a much stronger contingency plan if Ben does not return to pre-injury form. We can not afford to have this great "D" and only score ten points or less per game. Mr. Rooney should not be counting on Ben one way or another at this point IMO; thus we need a better plan than Mason or Duck to be the Starter and Back-up.

Now, if Mr. Rooney feels that Mason is going to take that next step, and lets say that he does, then who is going to back him up that is decent in case something happens to him? Duck? I am not comfortable with that plan either. We would be in the identical situation before Ben got hurt. Not very good foresight IMO from Management.

I have gone on record stating that I like Andy Dalton as either our starter or back-up depending on Ben's post-injury outcome. With that said, I am not up on our cap situation except that I know it is tight and maybe we can not afford Dalton any way you slice it. However, this is what our cap specialist(s) do for a living. I say figure it out!

The window is small with the stellar "D" that we finally have in place. And I honestly feel that the "O" is in place as well. We just need to get the "O" skill-positioned players on the field at the same time and healthy. Also, utilize the TEs. They became invisible this past season for whatever reason. Vannett and McDonald are both good. The injuries, lack of using the TEs and a weak QB situation were the major "O" problems last season. Not a lack of talent on the "O" except for the QB which brings this post around in full circle.

STEELWINDS AKA The East Side Kid

 

That seals it for me. If Art II says he feels fine about it, it's obviously a cluster flop

 

That Dallas game you're referring to was lost by a cocky coach who thought it was wise to go for a 2 pt conversion on the opening TD of the game, then spent the rest of the game chasing it, even though it wasn't necessary (4 failed attempts in total). That and about 50 pass attempts compared to 15 rush attempts, or thereabouts.

 

Heyyyyyy! Look who decided to step out from the shadows. I see you and the darkness have been doings some bonding. Welcome back!

Where have you been while I’ve been trying to fend off the artificial light seekers? I’m happy to see you are back to throw a little shade on the parade. Clearly Haley acted alone and went all rogue....

How ya been pal?

 

I agree with you. But didn't Colbert say they had a 1st round grade on Rudolph and saw him as Ben's successor? Looks like they kinda missed on that assessment.