Rudolph's insertion brings new-but-ugly quarterback conundrum

If this walk from Mitch Trubisky could talk, what would it say?

If Trubisky were to talk after the Steelers' 30-13 loss to the Colts, what would he have said? Would he have an answer for what just transpired Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium?

“Not this second we don't, but we're going to find them," Trubisky said. "We're going to work tirelessly and come together. Leaders got to step up, and we've got to find a way.”

Maybe "a way" will come in the form of Mason Rudolph?

Mike Tomlin substituted in Rudolph for Trubisky just before the two-minute warning Saturday, which has now opened the magical box of wonder of who the Steelers' quarterback should be this coming Saturday when the Bengals come to town on the eve of Christmas Eve.

A decision needs to be made, quickly, as the Steelers' season continues to spiral with three consecutive losses. Kenny Pickett will likely not be ready for Saturday as he recovers from surgery to repair a sprained ankle. 

This wouldn't be a discussion, at all, if Rudolph had not taken a snap Saturday. Now, we will await a decision to whether Trubisky or Rudolph will be the guy to oppose the Bengals and keep what ever smidge of playoff hope is alive.

"We'll see," Rudolph said. "That's a coaching decision. The game just ended. We'll see what happens. That's out of my hands."

Trubisky completed 16 of 23 passes for 169 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions, and he was sacked twice Saturday. It was, more of the same from him: More poor throws, enough bad decisions, and enough of the overall bad for Tomlin to at least -- and at some point -- make the call to bench him.

Another heave-ho, another interception. Trubisky had George Pickens deep for this one, and Trubisky claimed Pickens "took a different route" to the ball that led to a disadvantage in the 50-50 situation.

Then there was this interception, which is clearly on Trubisky in this overthrow to Pickens:

This is what Trubisky has given the Steelers. This season, he has completed 67 of his 107 passes for 632 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions. Regardless of his status, those numbers won't fly.

Regardless of who his offensive coordinator and/or play caller is, neither will the rest of this:

“Too many penalties," Trubisky said. "We can't go backwards. We got play 11 guys as one. We've got execute better. We've got to be better on third downs. We've got play a complete game. We've got off to a fast start today, we didn't do anything in the second half. It’s just not good enough. We've got to go back to work to correct it.”

Of course, there are some intangible things Trubisky possesses. Namely his toughness, as displayed on his rushing touchdown on a 4th-and-goal:

But, the bad has far outweighed the good with Trubisky. That's why Tomlin and the Steelers are here.

The choice comes between two fledgling backup quarterbacks. One has shown at multiple points as a Steeler that he cannot cut mustard, and the other is the holdover from the Ben Roethlisberger era who was previously passed over for that other fledgling backup and then a first-round pick. 

Rudolph was inactive all of the 2022 season and for most of 2023. He hasn't started a game since 2021, and he hasn't won a game he started in since 2019.

Does Rudolph give them a better chance to win? That question is up to Tomlin to answer in rapid fashion.

Does this choice matter?

It would to Rudolph.

 "I would love to play for this team," Rudolph said. "I'm confident and I've stayed sharp all season. This isn't my rookie year. The staff always puts a good plan together. If I get the nod I'll be ready to roll."