PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Mason Rudolph said he was told yesterday before he went for meetings in the quarterbacks room that he would be the starter against Baltimore. Rudolph said Kenny Pickett and Mitch Trubisky are handling it like pros, just like he did previously.
“There’s never been an awkward air,” Rudolph explained on Tuesday. “Those guys are dear friends and always ultra-professional. They know I did nothing but support them and make them laugh as a three role the last few years.”
“It’s great to see that reciprocated.”
“They are all competitors and we all know that. They are great dudes to go to work with.”
Not thinking ahead
After testing the free agent market last offseason, the offers weren’t there for Rudolph. Entering his sixth year, Rudolph contemplated a job in the private sector before signing with the Steelers for a low, veteran salary (realize we are discussing NFL terms) for one season.
There have been 38 quarterback changes this year due to performance or injury and 54 different starting QBs. Even if Saturday doesn’t go well, you would think there will be a market for Rudolph this coming offseason.
Has Rudolph started thinking about where his future lies, whether that’s coming back to Pittsburgh or elsewhere?
“I’m loving playing for this team,” Rudolph said. “I’m loving winning games. We are going to keep trying to do that. I will sit down with my agent, my family and debrief what has gone on, but it’s been great. It’s been a lot of fun.”
He hasn’t taken time really to smell the roses either. Not thought about all the congratulations now or that look from teammates as he’s led the team to a pair of victories.
“I’m just trying to do my job,” Rudolph said. “Obviously everybody wants to win and we’ve had fun times doing it. We’ve all celebrated during the game and after the game. I’m just happy to be back in the lineup. That’s all we are trying to do is win.”
The focus is on the preparation for Baltimore and having a good week of practice. What Rudolph has noticed though are signs of the team coming together.
“I did really love how the receivers responded,” Rudolph said. “Team first and blocking, and George made the tackle on the play that got called back, the turnover. Just seemed like they were fired up for the offensive line, for the running backs. A lot of selflessness on display.”
TJ MVP
An example of what every Steeler should be and a great example for every rookie and new player, it’s how Rudolph described team MVP TJ Watt on Tuesday. He also admits he messes with the former Defensive Player of the Year.
Rudolph said over the last couple of weeks sometimes the players parking lot fills up, so Watt has parked in the median. He took a picture of his car and sent it to his brother Derek with a note of ‘now he has a big contract and can park anywhere’.
“I know it really hurts him deep down because he’s a perfectionist,” Rudolph said. “Outside of that he really doesn’t do anything wrong. We’ll clean that up.”