How long do you think Rudolph's leash should be going forward?

We all know that Mason will likely get to start...and that he will more than likely be on some kind of leash despite his career performance this last week - but what kind of leash is the question.

Would a simple, uninspired win be enough for him to continue, or would he need his offense to achieve something greater than that? What about a close loss? Let's look at some various possible (albeit generic) scenarios and what kind of implications they would have on Mason Rudolph.

1. A Very Basic, Unmemorable Win.
Mason's offense is extremely pedestrian. 160 yards, no TDs. No Ints. Nothing outright bad, but also nothing great. Basically a Kenny Pickett type of game. Would such a performance be good enough for the Mason experiment to continue?

2. Steelers Lose, but the Offense was Really Good.
Steelers lose a close game but, despite a great offensive effort, it wouldn't be enough to overcome problems in other areas, such as bad defense, poor clock management, penalties, or other problems that would be largely outside of Mason's control. Sure, the offense puts up 25+ points with 2-3 passing TDs, but at the end of the day, it just wasn't enough. Do you think Tomlin would see that as reason enough to end Mason's sleigh ride?

3. Game ends up in overtime, Steelers win.
I feel like any game that ends up in overtime inherently sucks and any such win will be incredibly ugly at best. But a win is a win. Would an ugly overtime win convince Tomlin that Mason should get another go at it?

4. Game ends up in overtime, Steelers lose.
It's like number 3, but even uglier. Honestly, I don't see how Mason would be allowed to continue with this sort of outcome, but what do you think?

5. Game ends in a Tie.
No one likes a tie. In some ways, a tie can almost feel worse than loss, even if, technically, it never is. If the Mason-led offense ties the Seahawks, do you think that would still be good enough for Mason to get another game, or do you think Kenny comes back the week thereafter?

6. A terrible, terrible loss.
It probably goes without saying that a blowout debacle would probably spell the end for Mason. To be fair, Trubisky was given multiple terrible games. But, then again, Mitch was also gifted with a $10 million leash, so...that usually helps.

Honestly, I think the question of how far exactly the Mason Rudolph leash is fascinating. And what are the expectations for Mason vs expectations for Kenny? The Seahawks are widely considered to be a much more difficult opponent than the Bengals - particularly in defensive capabilities - so one wonders how much that disparity in difficulty will factor into what will be expected from Mason this week - if it factors into it, at all. Do you think it should?

What do you guys think?

Assuming Mason starts next week - if you were HC, how would you proceed with Mason / what kind of leash would you want to put on the Reindeer? Is there anything that would make you bench Mason mid-game?

 

If Kenny is healthy I could easily see MT going with him.

 

Define healthy

 

I mean for me he would have to be 100% which I doubt he will be. I think it’s easy at that point to tell him to heal up. What Mikes thoughts are I have no idea.

 

Heard KFP is starting so . . .

 

Just saw this. I think Mason should get the start but if he is truly 100% then this is a tough situation.

 

Business wise you would have to start Kenny if he's ready. Not playing him just delays decisions. Whoever starts I bet Mason now garners some attention this off-season. Good for him. Maybe he'll get a shot somewhere.

 

Mason is already back in the Tomlin doghouse

 

Wow. That's absolute bullsh!t if true. After finally getting a spark going, that Tomlin would so quickly turn around and have Kenny start instead of going with the hand that's hot is just a huge turn off. Could be wrong, but I doubt that the news will be warmly received in the locker room. Honestly, if that actually is the case, I don't know if I'll bother watching.

 

I haven't been able to verify that yet after searching. Our local NBC affiliate here in Pittsburgh said that he "could" return against the Seahawks but we will probably find out tomorrow from Tomlin.

 

I tried to look up solid, official news that Kenny is 100% playing next week and saw nothing that was straight from the horse's mouth, so - while it might be true - I'm probably gonna have to take the claim that Kenny is a lock for starting in the Seahawks game with a grain of salt.

 

I mean, even the ol' spiteful Ben Roethlisberger himself in his just released Footbahlin' Podcast emphatically stated that Mason should start next game...and you know it probably pained him to say that.

 

We shall see. I believe if Mason looks terrible You would pull Him, but You can lose, and not look terrible on offense. I believe they start KFP if He's healthy.....it's a business that many many teams have done wrongly. I always believe You go with the hot hand, but I've seen it go the other way . It happens a lot .....one always comes to mind is the change of D. Flutie for the playoffs. Organizations will most of the time go with the Highest paid FA, and, or Highest draft pick at that position until they can't....
You know what I would do....stay with Mason, but I'm not the Owner President of Operations, GM, or the coach.

 

I'm sure the press conference is Tuesday, you might get your answer then.

 

Most likely. The comments I read were originally stated that the decision was already announced, hence my initial reaction. But, yeah, it's all still speculative.

 

What does the President of Operations do?

 

Finally, someone who actually answered the damn question related to the topic of the post

 

I think you roll with Mason but keep the leash short… I know that makes no sense round here with em. If he wins gotta roll em next out too. Hot hand and all.

no hot hand until things get stacked in my opinion.

 

Surgery duh

 

I would say make a lot of decisions. I would guess the job description is in the title. Hope Your having a Merry Christmas

 

Would be hard to watch if you held all those positions, I like CB;s, but having 6 start on D would be a bit much. lol

 

LoL. Hope Your having a Merry Christmas

 

If You have enough good ones You can run the hybrid Defense I've always dreamed about. LoL.
Truthfully we need at least two more. I Hope You are having a Merry Christmas.

 

Cowher made this mistake with Bubby Brister who won the last few games of the year to earn a playoff spot while NOD was injured. Instead of going with the hot hand Cowher went back to NOD for the playoff game where the Bills beat us 24-3.

 

I totally forgot about that.
Hope You are having a Merry Christmas.