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Why Mason Rudolph was worse then what Steelers fans saw on TV in Week 3

Pittsburgh Steelers fans were thinking they were watching the future when they watched Mason Rudolph in Week 3, but if you look back at the film what they saw didn’t look like the future at all.

Tennessee Titans v Pittsburgh Steelers Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Statistics never tell the whole story, and I can say the same of a TV broadcast. Steelers Nation saw quarterback Mason Rudolph through the limited camera angles and replays Sunday in the team’s 24-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. I wanted to see the All-22 camera views to get a better view of what Rudolph was seeing, and what he was missing.

This is not an attempt to bash Rudolph but to show some aspects where he struggled with and what he needs to improve upon.

Rudolph was under a heavy rush all day with an uncharacteristic leaky offensive line, but all quarterbacks in the NFL go through this. The pressure hurt his progressions through the wideouts and made him uncomfortable in the pocket, but when he had time he did not go through progressions well nor did he ever look comfortable in the pocket or outside of it. Rudolph locked onto one specific wide receiver, or one side of the field, which also led to plays not developing. Fans can attribute part to play-calling but a large part is being inexperienced and not feeling comfortable.

Rudolph has an excellent opportunity to shine Monday night in prime time when the Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals. Will Rudolph come out of the game against the 12th ranked pass defense looking like a third-rounder or the solution to the Steelers woes?