Steelers Now
CHARLOTTE — Mason Rudolph had another rough outing in Thursday night’s preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Just like in the preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rudolph had a brutal interception.
In the first quarter, Rudolph got picked off by rookie safety Lathan Ransom. His pass intended for Ke’Shawn Williams was not even close. It appeared that he did not even see Ransom.
“Not great,” Rudolph said when asked about his performance against the Panthers. “Got to take care of the ball, that’s first and foremost.
Rudolph explained that his interception against Carolina was different that the one versus Tampa Bay.
“They were very different. (The one against Tampa) was a play-action shot down the field. I thought the DB made a good play tonight. Bailed out late. I just got to check it down,” Rudolph said.
Overall, the offense just looked lackluster with Rudolph under center. That wasn’t the case with Skylar Thompson.
In his first possession, Thompson threw a 24-yard strike to Lance McCutcheon for a touchdown to give the Steelers a 7-3 lead with 5:47 remaining in the second quarter.
Then right before halftime, Thompson connected to Scotty Miller for a 53-yard reception that set up a Ben Sauls’ 38-yard field goal, which tied the game at 10-10.
Thompson finished the night, completing 11 of 13 passes (84.6 %) for 152 yards, one touchdown, one interception, and a passer rating of 141.0.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin gave Thompson high praise after the game.
“He’s got playing experience. This guy started games in Miami, and so I think that experience shows,” Tomlin said. “And we’re talking regular season games.”
Thompson has made a strong case for a spot on the 53-man roster. Due to his experience with the team, Rudolph would be a surprise cut, but he certainly hasn’t helped himself in the last two games. Thompson being the No. 2 quarterback could be a legitimate option for the club, however.
Alan Saunders provided reporting from Charlotte.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Has Skylar Thompson Leaped Mason Rudolph for No. 2 QB Spot?
