Steelers forego Will Howard as QB backup during playoff run
The Pittsburgh Steelers are riding high in the NFL standings, poised for a playoff push that has fans buzzing with excitement. A significant contributor to their success has been the resurgence of quarterback play, the best seen in recent years since the days of Ben Roethlisberger. With Roethlisberger’s career stunted by elbow surgery, the Steelers have found new life under the guidance of Aaron Rodgers this season.
Current Quarterback Situation
Despite their promising performance, the Steelers face a precarious situation when it comes to their quarterback depth. Currently, they are relying solely on Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, with both Skylar Thompson and Will Howard sidelined on Injured Reserve. The need for a contingency plan is evident, especially with the potential for injuries or a drop in performance as the season progresses.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette suggests that the Steelers are unlikely to deviate from their two-quarterback strategy for the time being. In a recent discussion on the Post-Gazette platform, Dulac stated, “I think they are going to keep their fingers crossed with two QBs until there is an injury for now.” This indicates a cautious approach, as the team appears to be banking on the health and performance of their current quarterbacks.
Evaluating QB Performance
Interestingly, while the Steelers’ quarterback statistics may not rank them among the league’s elite, the consistent play from both Rodgers and Rudolph has allowed the team to flourish. They have managed to minimize mistakes, which has been critical, especially in light of their lone loss to the Seattle Seahawks. This level of reliability has enabled the Steelers to leverage their formidable defense, a hallmark of their traditional style of play.
Howard, once considered a potential starter at the onset of the preseason due to Rodgers’ late arrival to training camp, now faces an uphill battle to secure a spot on an NFL roster. In contrast, Thompson has demonstrated his capabilities as a solid third-string quarterback during preseason games. Given his performance, it seems more plausible that the Steelers would elevate Thompson over the less-experienced Howard should the need arise.
As the Steelers navigate the remainder of the season, their decision to maintain a lean quarterback roster will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The stakes are high, and with the playoffs looming, the team’s strategy will undoubtedly be put to the test.
