Steelers offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner was critical on Friday of the play of quarterback Mason Rudolph in Sunday’s 24-20 loss to San Francisco.
Fichtner was asked about the seemingly conservative nature of his play calling for Rudolph, who made his first career start in place of injured starter Ben Roethlisberger.
“I don’t know that it was conservative,” Fichtner said. “I thought we put ourselves in position. We had some opportunities, even for some shots (down the field). If you don’t connect or throw them, it never really materializes.”
Rudolph agreed that the team did not throw the ball in the way that he’d prefer.
“You take what the defense gives you,” he said. “Obviously I do love pushing the ball down the field. Chunk plays, like coach Tomlin says, eliminates a lot of execution. We enjoy taking those chunk plays but, at the same time, if that’s not there or they’re not having it, you have to be smart with the ball and check it down and not force it into those tight windows.”
Rudolph passed for 174 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He passed for just 40 yards in the first half.
Rudolph agreed with Fichtner, saying that it’s “unlike me” to not be aggressive.
“Whether he’s hesitant or felt uncomfortable or didn’t like the matchup, all of those things go into play,” Fichtner said. “I’m not second-guessing Mason at all. We’re going to try and be as aggressive as we can be.”
The Steelers sit at 0-3. Rudolph now holds the reigns to the offense, which will craft itself more to his preferences and skillset going forward.
“It’s my second week going through the whole process with the guys, with the offensive line,” Rudolph said. “That’s valuable time, valuable reps. The meeting time now, it’s kind of my deal. It’s more focused around ‘what do I like’ in preparation and game planning.
“Randy’s been great in providing opportunities to provide input and what I like, and that’s really helpful.”
Fair or not, the pressure is on for Rudolph to deliver… now.
“The goal is to win, wherever you’re at,” Rudolph said. “That’s what I’ve always done, I’m a winner. That’s how I feel and that’s what we’re going to do.”