SteelerFury Combined Forum

I’m a little surprised that Will Howard has leapfrogged Mason Rudolph for the starting position at voluntary OTA’s

That’s a good sign, imo


If Rogers doesn’t come back this season, I would definitely rather run with Howard as the starter, sink or swim

Throw a draft pick at somebody in the mid to late rounds that maybe has some upside

But let Will Howard’s 2025 performance determine next year’s draft

anpsteel wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 20, 2026 7:13 pm

I’m a little surprised that Will Howard has leapfrogged Mason Rudolph for the starting position at voluntary OTA’s

That’s a good sign, imo


If Rogers doesn’t come back this season, I would definitely rather run with Howard as the starter, sink or swim

Throw a draft pick at somebody in the mid to late rounds that maybe has some upside

But let Will Howard’s 2025 performance determine next year’s draft

I agree with this sentiment. Either Howard is your FQB or we draft one next year in top 10 of draft. Win/Win. Draft Taylen in the 5th or 6th and move on

Mason doesn't thrill me even as a backup. If Howard's floor is better than Mason, that's a win-win too.

please little baby jesus in a tuxedo shirt let rodgers not return

Gonzo wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 20, 2026 11:00 pm

please little baby jesus in a tuxedo shirt let rodgers not return

It's hard to see Howard getting any starts with Rodgers unless we're eliminated from the playoffs. And if he's legit running ahead of Mason already, he probably needs a handful of starts to see what you have.

On the other hand, it's a new offense. One that won't be a JV offense. So Howard likely isn't ready to start until after mid-year. McCarthy won't be sending out his QB without audibles.

I will never watch a game with Mason Rudolph playing QB again.

.Kodiak wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 21, 2026 1:57 am

Gonzo wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 20, 2026 11:00 pm

please little baby jesus in a tuxedo shirt let rodgers not return

It's hard to see Howard getting any starts with Rodgers unless we're eliminated from the playoffs. And if he's legit running ahead of Mason already, he probably needs a handful of starts to see what you have.

On the other hand, it's a new offense. One that won't be a JV offense. So Howard likely isn't ready to start until after mid-year. McCarthy won't be sending out his QB without audibles.

Would have been a decent plan if they would have signed a backup with proven starter ability like Flacco or Gardner Minchew to back him up but we need to be held hostage by a QB so he can lead the team to a 9-8 record

tbsteel wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 21, 2026 11:13 am

I will never watch a game with Mason Rudolph playing QB again.

Here as well. I commend the dude for making a career out of what he has, but I’m completely done with these Tomlin-era holdovers that continue to get chances on mediocre rosters.

Thanks for your service.

Will Howard & Mason Rudolph are fighting for two different jobs/positions/titles. Howard is on the roster competing to be the #1 or #3 QB. Mason is on the team competing (with no one at the moment) to be the veteran #2 backup to whoever else comes out #1.

Yinz saying you'll never watch a game with Rudolph, may have too. Mason is the PERFECT #2 vet backup for the roster. Good not great. Game day experienced, not great. Cheap cap hit, not over paid. Not jocking for a #1 opportunity or #1 money elsewhere. Locker room liked, etc., etc. ID sign him to 5-10 year forever contract to be the new Charlie Batch. Drastically better than Minchew, Flacco, etc. Perfect for that role & no one better for that role that I can think of in the NFL right now.

Howard is competing for #1, #3 or a UFL job in a few years.

Reminds me of the days when we searched the land for a decent qb until first Bradshaw then Ben fell into our lap. Does anyone remember when we drafted Hanratty right before Bradshaw and they jockeyed back and forth for a couple years before Brad emerged?

Rod & Wire Mill wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 21, 2026 11:19 pm

Reminds me of the days when we searched the land for a decent qb until first Bradshaw then Ben fell into our lap. Does anyone remember when we drafted Hanratty right before Bradshaw and they jockeyed back and forth for a couple years before Brad emerged?

Wedge in Jefferson Street Joe Gilliam in there. He was fun to watch.

i think the point on these and the Cowher QBs was that they accepted the dips and had a chance to get a QB. AR2 is not accepting the normal cycle of the NFL and it is drive us crazy.

Rod & Wire Mill wrote: ↑

Tue Apr 21, 2026 11:19 pm

Reminds me of the days when we searched the land for a decent qb until first Bradshaw then Ben fell into our lap. Does anyone remember when we drafted Hanratty right before Bradshaw and they jockeyed back and forth for a couple years before Brad emerged?

TBF with a few exceptions most QBs fall into team's laps. Tom Brady being the prime example. Russell Wilson another. Rodgers was back of the first round. Even Mahomes at 12 was fortunate. Most top 10 QBs don't pan out. The failure rate on them is downright alarming. For every Peyton Manning taken at #1, there are far more like Tim Couch.

Lamar was at end of the first. Unless you get a Joe Burrow at 1 most of the time teams' need to get lucky to find a franchise QB.

Will Howard sucks
Rudolph sucks
This team sucks
The players suck
The coaches suck
The ownership sucks


Fuck this team

Excellent insight and analysis. Your Steeler & football knowledge jumps out from your mastery of the english language. You continue to force this esteemed forum to hum. I now understand your need to self proclaim yourself as Fury's #1 poaster. We all look forward to your next contribution.

Steelersfan wrote: ↑

Thu Apr 23, 2026 2:30 am

Excellent insight and analysis. Your Steeler & football knowledge jumps out from your mastery of the english language. You continue to force this esteemed forum to hum. I now understand your need to self proclaim yourself as Fury's #1 poaster. We all look forward to your next contribution.

Eat shit




And die