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Mason Rudolph

Crimsonsteel

Crimsonsteel

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Let's try our best to not focus on our frustrations with coaching in this thread and just have a little fun. None of us know how this kid will turn out but just curious what everyone's gut feeling is about him and how he'll do this season. Stat predictions welcome.

Here's my gut feeling. I think he delivers. I've liked a lot about what I've seen thus far in his progression. I know it doesn't mean jack squat but I love the fact he looked over at Clowney ( or whoever was RDE for the Seahawks ) and gave him a wink right before his first snap. Kid is brimming with confidence.

I can't speak for our record because you know.... defense. But still, I think a few games come down to the kid having to win them and he comes through.

I'd guess 64% completion percentage, 25-30 TD's, less than a dozen INT's, 3,500-ish yds.

I think he makes the next offseason very intriguing.

What say ye?
 
The good and bad with Mason is that he doesn't have a cannon of an arm. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing for a kid who had a high draft grade. Must mean he had to get great at ball placement, decision making, and excel at intermediate and under throws. If he can manage the 3rd down conversions than that's a huge step in the right direction after these first two games. I don't think that's a tall task. In preseason games Mason has multiple TD throws/drives and in one half of action was able to do the same. He isn't a rookie and doesn't look like a deer in headlights.



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I think his arm strength is adequate. He doesn't need a cannon to move the chains and score TDs. He needs accuracy and to be able to read an opposing D. If he can be above the neck obviously in these areas his pedigree might shine through.
 
Looking forward to seeing how Rudolph and Washington work together. Could be the catalyst for drawing some coverage away from JuJu so that he can begin production. It won’t be the Ben/ Brown tandem but who knows?
 
People talk about his arm strength but don't forget, he and Washington were known for their deep completions down the field. I would expect Washington to move up to the No. 2 spot now that Moncrief either needs glasses or can't catch with his mangled fingers. Rudolph is comfortable with him. I also like that Rudolph was looking to Vance. Ben really didn't in the first game and a half. Vance and the backs out of the backfield catching balls can help open up JuJu as well as a legit No. 2 WR.
 
slashsteel said:
I think his arm strength is adequate. He doesn't need a cannon to move the chains and score TDs. He needs accuracy and to be able to read an opposing D. If he can be above the neck obviously in these areas his pedigree might shine through.
Click to expand...

I'm with you on this Slash. This cannon arm crap is overrated to me. If my QB can move the chains as you mentioned and score TD's and eat the clock, is that not the best scenario? Keeps our defense off the field for long stretches of time and we're all fine with that. I never quite got this cannon arm stuff and think it mean very little. Like an old friend of ours once said: "Its not how far you throw it but where you throw it". Dan Marino QB Miami Dolphins.
 
I think MR will show up and show up big. I think the difference between him and what BB was doing with be on playcalling and not BB was done bs. I anticipate we see more heavy sets, run and play action, screens, TEs being used. Which in turn opens up the rest of the offense. If we continue to go empty sets i see it as a concern.

This is all on the OC.
 
steelhurt said:
I'm with you on this Slash. This cannon arm crap is overrated to me. If my QB can move the chains as you mentioned and score TD's and eat the clock, is that not the best scenario? Keeps our defense off the field for long stretches of time and we're all fine with that. I never quite got this cannon arm stuff and think it mean very little. Like an old friend of ours once said: "Its not how far you throw it but where you throw it". Dan Marino QB Miami Dolphins.
Click to expand...
A “cannon” for an arm is great but I’ll take quick release and accuracy to WR’s who get up the field fast all day
 
I´m just hoping that we will have a game plan designed around his abilites, meaning "dumbing down" the playbook to make him more comfortable, trying to establish the running game (hey, how about bringing in a fullback to help with that and also picking up some blitzes), high percentage stuff that will make him feen comfortable. I think he could thrive in this system! Especially with Ben on the sidelines as a mentor.
 
I think the article Slaine posted nailed it.
( THIS IS NOT A KNOCK ) Ben is a sandlot QB. He's not routes, timing, D reading.
He always has been and always will be. He is who he is, and he made a HOF career of it.
It's also why clashed with Haley, because Haley's system is predicated on all of those things.
It's also why he and AClown were such a great pairing of pitch and catch.
Ben has a unique "feel" to the game. A sixth sense if you will.
I'm not saying Ben is "dumb" or can't read D's or learn route trees.
I'm saying he prefers to "use the force" instead of turning on the targeting system.
He EXCELS at it like no other.

I think with Mason we're going to see the methodical robot pocket passer, in the mold of TBrady / PRivers.
NOT saying Mason will be as great as them day one or this season, just comparable QBing style.
From all accounts, Mason is a student of the game film junkie and made a HUGE leap from year one to year two.
I think this is because he relies far more on the cerebral aspect than the physical aspect of the game, and needed that year to learn the playbook and system and know everyone's assignments, all the other 10 guys on O.

It's going to be an adjustment for us fans.
Mason will take sacks that Ben would always magically Houdini himself out of and complete a strike to a receiver.
We have to understand that Ben was always the exception and not the rule for that.
But I also think Mason will get rid of the ball much quicker and not hold onto it for what seems like forever with pump fakes.
Another adjustment for us.

I actually like what I've seen from Mason, both college and limited NFL action.
As stated above, I think regardless of team record, because Mason can't fix coaching and defense, that Mason will prove he's a starting NFL QB and will put the Steelers front office and coaching staff in a very weird unenviable position this off-season.
 
You know I'm the local "Mr. Optimistic", so, I too, believe that Mason can and will be successful.

I've mentioned, and it's been mentioned by others, that he has an excellent rapport w/ James Washington---maybe it does become the same relationship that Ben had w/ 84 (I believe that we're really lucky to have a QB/WR combo that have a relationship already), maybe not, but we haven't even given the boys a chance to hit the field for an entire game.

DJ made the most amazing catch of the game - the kid is going to be special. I also love watching Juju play - man-kid amongst boys.

I saw way too much of Banner on the field - so, I believe we were running the heavy sets a lot against Seattle (maybe I'll go back and watch the game again to confirm that). But, perhaps it was done to offset our lack of TE depth?

I hope Conner isn't banged up too bad - seeing all three backs get time on the field was very nice (it'll keep the defense off balance).

What shall I have for lunch today???
 
I didn't see Mason in college so I have little to base my opinions on. What little I have seen, I have been impressed. First, I think he has a better arm than Dobbs did. Dobbs threw a lot of rainbows/floaters where I see Mason seems to toss more on a line. No, he doesn't have Ben's arm to go 65 yards in the air, but few QB's do. But his arm is strong enough to make the throws he needs to. Frankly, we will likely see more short and quick passes in third and short rather than the deep shots Ben takes. Not a shot at Ben...his big arm and ability to buy time for receivers to get downfield is a strength of his. But it is a rare one. The rest of the mortals play timing and quick release passing games (like fedderone stated above). Just to get in a Game of Thrones reference - Ben is The Mountain, Mason is Syrio Forel. :tongue3:

One thing I noted, like others, in every bit of action I have seen is he brims with confidence. He doesn't think he can, he knows he can. The kid doesn't appear to be star struck or overwhelmed in anyway. While he knows guys like Clowny are great ballers, he is happy to be on the field with them and knows he can compete with them.

Fundamentally, he seemed pretty darn good. I havent' gone back to the tape of SEA yet due to time restrictions but nothing stood out on fundamentals as an eyesore. The play fake and subsequent TD to Vance was a sweet sell. That sort of thing tells me he not only understands his craft, but works to perfect it.

Last - he seems smart and is obviously playing attention to the playbook and film. Reports are that he never took one rep to practice that flea flicker. Yea, it caught the defense by surprise to his advantage, but he was running a play he had not rep'ed in practice much less with the guys he was doing it with (timing) and on the big stage for the first time. That is pretty darn impressive.

But, again, this is all first impression stuff on my part. I can't say what he will do, but I can tell you to become the guy we all want him to be...well, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a few steps. His first steps appear to be the correct ones. Next step - SF. Last week he got the call with no time to overthink anything. His challenge this week will be a whole week to prepare but not overthink.
 
bermudasteel said:
What shall I have for lunch today???
Click to expand...

open faced fried baloney sandwich with melted cheddar and a slice of tomato. Put some of those weird Tuna ruffles and a dill pickle on the side then wash it down with a good Cabernet Sauvignon
 
He's got a good arm. For him to be productive we need to get our running game going. If we can't run the ball then he is forced to throw. Your fear with a young QB is his ability to go through his reads and find an open receiver. We caught a good glimpse of him making quick throws. On the road v SF he's going to have to go through his reads and the line has to give him time. If he drops and throws, then maybe that isn't necessary. That will be a huge difference between him and Ben. Ben would buy time by moving around or outside of the pocket. We've become accustomed to the Ben being Ben plays. Now we have a totally different QB back there and watching the Steelers on offense is going to be very different because of it.
 
steelhurt said:
Can I speak for most of you guys and just say the consensus is "Tomlin Sucks".
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He's the Elephant with Aviators in the Room you just can't ignore. If we're on the bus headed toward the cliff, I don't care who we put in the front seat of the bus or how the seats 1-53 are rearranged if we have an obstinate imbecile driving the bus.
 
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Hoot said:
open faced fried baloney sandwich with melted cheddar and a slice of tomato. Put some of those weird Tuna ruffles and a dill pickle on the side then wash it down with a good Cabernet Sauvignon
Click to expand...

Tuna with low carb wrap and flavored water. I can't stand plain water....
 
Hoot said:
open faced fried baloney sandwich with melted cheddar and a slice of tomato. Put some of those weird Tuna ruffles and a dill pickle on the side then wash it down with a good Cabernet Sauvignon
Click to expand...

today is National Hamburger Day! Baloney is lips and ******** that is in a sheet. Bermy deserves better than that! lol
 
slashsteel said:
Tuna with low carb wrap and flavored water. I can't stand plain water....
Click to expand...

Then why did you ask for suggestions if you already had it planned out? :chargrined:

try the Ole Xtreme Wellness wraps - only 50cal/wrap. (not the wheat ones though...calories much higher in those).
 
thesteelcity said:
today is National Hamburger Day! Baloney is lips and ********that is in a sheet. Bermy deserves better than that! lol
Click to expand...



Add in eyelids and by products and you've got hot dogs.






Salute the nation
 
Hoot said:
I didn't see Mason in college so I have little to base my opinions on. What little I have seen, I have been impressed. First, I think he has a better arm than Dobbs did. Dobbs threw a lot of rainbows/floaters where I see Mason seems to toss more on a line. No, he doesn't have Ben's arm to go 65 yards in the air, but few QB's do. But his arm is strong enough to make the throws he needs to. Frankly, we will likely see more short and quick passes in third and short rather than the deep shots Ben takes. Not a shot at Ben...his big arm and ability to buy time for receivers to get downfield is a strength of his. But it is a rare one. The rest of the mortals play timing and quick release passing games (like fedderone stated above). Just to get in a Game of Thrones reference - Ben is The Mountain, Mason is Syrio Forel. :tongue3:

One thing I noted, like others, in every bit of action I have seen is he brims with confidence. He doesn't think he can, he knows he can. The kid doesn't appear to be star struck or overwhelmed in anyway. While he knows guys like Clowny are great ballers, he is happy to be on the field with them and knows he can compete with them.

Fundamentally, he seemed pretty darn good. I havent' gone back to the tape of SEA yet due to time restrictions but nothing stood out on fundamentals as an eyesore. The play fake and subsequent TD to Vance was a sweet sell. That sort of thing tells me he not only understands his craft, but works to perfect it.

Last - he seems smart and is obviously playing attention to the playbook and film. Reports are that he never took one rep to practice that flea flicker. Yea, it caught the defense by surprise to his advantage, but he was running a play he had not rep'ed in practice much less with the guys he was doing it with (timing) and on the big stage for the first time. That is pretty darn impressive.

But, again, this is all first impression stuff on my part. I can't say what he will do, but I can tell you to become the guy we all want him to be...well, a journey of a thousand miles starts with a few steps. His first steps appear to be the correct ones. Next step - SF. Last week he got the call with no time to overthink anything. His challenge this week will be a whole week to prepare but not overthink.
Click to expand...

Excellent post Hoot, great observations and insight. What I want to stress that you already said is that the kid is as confident as they come. He wants to be out there making the plays he knows he can make. That just doesn't come around that often. And I think the reason he's already got JuJu's vote of confidence and much of the team, quite frankly.
 
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