Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph shared his first impressions of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith at OTAs on Tuesday.
“He’s very detail-oriented,” Rudolph said of Smith. “I think he’s a good teacher in the install rooms. He’s been very clear to guys. Obviously, you guys know he loves to pound the rock, play-action. But he’s also got a good collection of drop-back pass concepts that I like. I think it fits my game and it’s been fun working with him.”
Smith’s offensive philosophy is rooted in a pro-style structure. He relies heavily on under-center snaps, wide-zone runs, and condensed formations. His scheme routinely deploys 12 and 13 personnel groupings—featuring multiple tight ends and fullbacks, to establish a downhill run game. Once defenses are forced to stack the box, Smith dials up deep play-action shots that capitalize on one-on-one matchups outside.
Rudolph is currently slotted as the team’s starting quarterback, but that could change in an instant if four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers eventually signs.
If Rodgers takes over as the starter, it will be nothing new for Rudolph. He’s been through a ton of adversity in his seven-year NFL career, and often overlooked.
“That’s nothing new to me, there has been constant noise,” Rudolph said on Tuesday at the first day of the Steelers’ organized team activities. “That is the nature of the NFL. I’ve been used to that for a long time. Do nothing but be the best I can be and help our team get better this spring.”
To say the least, Rudolph had a rocky season with the Tennessee Titans in 2024. He went 1-4 as a starter and Tennessee finished a disastrous 3-14.
In total, Rudolph played in eight games. On the season, he completed 64.0% of his passes for 1,530 yards with nine touchdowns, nine interceptions, and a passer rating of 55.5.
After one season in Nashville, Rudolph is thrilled to be back in the Steel City.
“I just think it’s a special place,” Rudolph said. “I’ve got a lot of great friends and teammates. A lot of comfortability with Mike (Tomlin) and the staff. Omar (Khan) has put together a great roster. Who would not want to be a part of this team and this offense? It’s been a fun couple of months back.”
In six seasons with Pittsburgh, Rudolph completed 63.5% of his passes for 3,085 yards, 19 touchdowns, 11 interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 86.9.
In 2023, Rudolph started the final three games of the regular season after Kenny Pickett was lost to a high-ankle sprain and Mitchell Trubisky struggled in his limited action.
Rudolph responded with the best play of his career, completing 55 of 75 passes (74.3%) for 719 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions while leading Pittsburgh to three straight victories and a playoff spot.
Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is confident that Rudolph will deliver if his number is called this season.
“I love Mason,” Freiermuth said. “He’s a hell of a guy, hell of a...
