Quack, quack, quack, a new duck, I mean, man is in town in Pittsburgh. Devlin Hodges has been named the new Steelers starting quarterback after replacing Mason Rudolph. This is 100 percent the right decision by Pittsburgh. Duck Hodges deserves to start over Mason Rudolph.
Let’s start with Rudolph. The Steelers drafted the Oklahoma State product in the 3rd round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Rudolph was a classic Big 12 quarterback. There was just no way he was going to make it. I called him Bryce Petty coming out of college. He’s been awful since getting the starting job. The last two weeks against the Browns and Bengals, Rudolph has 5 interceptions, 1 touchdown, and is barely completing 50 percent. Rudolph will be out of the league shortly just like Petty was.
Duck Hodges is beating Rudolph in every statistical category. He has a higher YPA and higher completion percentage. Hodges went 6-7 for 68 yards against the Ravens and almost led Pittsburgh to a comeback win. Duck beat up the Chargers in a win. This past week, Duck was the right man for the job delivering the game winning touchdown pass. This was a no brainer. Tomlin saved his season going to Duck.
Pittsburgh is still very much in the mix in the AFC playoff race. Right now, the Steelers hold the 6 seed with a record of 6-5. Pittsburgh still has the Browns, Cardinals, Bills, Jets, and Ravens left on the schedule. Not the easiest schedule in the world. Especially given how feisty the Cardinals and Jets have been down the stretch. Regardless, I don’t think there’s any question that Duck Hodges gives Pittsburgh the best chance to win.