Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have pretty diverse — and on paper, appealing — quarterback situation. But is it all it’s cracked up to be?
Aaron Rodgers is back in the saddle for his second year in black and gold, leading a group that also includes a capable backup and — for the moment — two young, developmental passers who can learn from a head coach versed in signal-caller tutelage.
CBS Sports’ Emory Hunt believes Pittsburgh has the third-best overall quarterback room in the AFC, behind only the Houston Texans and Cincinnati Bengals.
“Aaron Rodgers is what makes this room solid for me because I love the fact that he played some good football down the stretch of the season for Pittsburgh,” Hunt said Friday on CBS Sports HQ. “Got those guys the divisional championship and into the postseason, and I just love the potential. I know I’ve been railing against rookie unknowns, and they have two of them in this room — one didn’t play last year and is not a rookie in Will Howard, but I love what he brings to the table.
“And Drew Allar, the quote-unquote ‘good’ prospect that comes in as a rookie. So collectively I like this room for Pittsburgh.”
Rodgers posted a 10-6 mark behind center for the Steelers last season, helping them to the AFC North crown and a playoff appearance. He threw for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions, and Pittsburgh added to his collection of weapons this offseason by trading for Michael Pittman Jr. and drafting Germie Bernard.
Mason Rudolph, Rodgers’ understudy, has pinned up an 8-5-1 record as the Steelers’ starter, but lost his only outing last season after Rodgers fractured his wrist.
The Texans, tabbed at No. 2, have C.J. Stroud, Davis Mills and Graham Mertz. Behind former No. 1 overall draft pick Joe Burrow, the Bengals have Joe Flacco, career journeyman Josh Johnson and ex-Penn State passer Sean Clifford.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: How Good Should Steelers Fans Really Feel About QB Room?
