The Pittsburgh Steelers, somehow, found their way into the playoffs this season, which was a success story all its own. It also happened to align with what is widely considered to be the final games with Ben Roethlisberger as their quarterback.
Whatever you think of Big Ben, it’s no small thing to imagine the Steelers without him behind center. Roethlisberger represented the black and gold for 18 seasons and, aside from injuries, the franchise hasn’t had to worry about another signal-caller in all that time.
That’s over now and head coach Mike Tomlin has to be forward-looking for the franchise. He met with the media on Tuesday to discuss the season that was and what’s next for the Steelers.
In terms of Roethlisberger’s time with Pittsburgh being done, even though no one has officially said that’s the case, Tomlin said they are assuming that is the case.
“We are proceeding with that assumption,” Tomlin said. “I’m excited about that challenge. Those of us that are competitors are. It’s a challenge. It makes you uneasy.”
As far as whether or not current backup quarterbacks Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins will get a chance to step into the role, Tomlin said they would but no one is being anointed the new starter.
“Both guys, Mason and Dwayne, have had their moments, but they’ll have to prove that,” Tomlin said.
As far as whether or not the Steelers will draft a quarterback or look to the free-agent market, Tomlin said all options are open and available to them at the moment.
“All options are on the table,” Tomlin said. “I enjoy working with [General Manager Kevin Colbert] this time of year.”
"All options are on the table" regarding QBs, according to Mike Tomlin.
Rookies, Vets, standing pat.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 18, 2022
Whoever ends up playing quarterback for the Steelers, they’ll be running an offense courtesy of OC Matt Canada, who Tomlin threw tepid support behind as well.
It’s a brave new world for the Pittsburgh Steelers, a franchise that tends to buck the system by avoiding change as much as possible. Now, they don’t have a choice. The future is coming whether they want it to or not.
[PFT]