In the world of NFL quarterback battles, the Pittsburgh Steelers' situation has sparked an intriguing debate. Former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch has offered his insights, suggesting that Mason Rudolph may have a better chance of making the 53-man roster than Will Howard. But is this a clear-cut case of veteran experience prevailing over youthful potential?
The Quarterback Conundrum
Batch's argument revolves around the limitations imposed by the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement). He believes the Steelers can only 'develop' one young quarterback, and with head coach Mike McCarthy drafting Drew Allar, the focus seems to be on him. Batch highlights the challenge of evaluating Howard, who missed most of his rookie season due to a new system and limited practice time.
"You truly don't have an evaluation... Everything he learned is essentially out the door." - Charlie Batch
This lack of evaluation time, according to Batch, gives an advantage to Rudolph, who has the experience and familiarity with the system. It's an interesting take, but does it mean Howard is destined for the practice squad or even worse?
McCarthy's Method
McCarthy, however, has a different plan. He believes he can develop and evaluate both Allar and Howard this offseason, citing his own methods. But the question remains: Can he truly give equal attention to both quarterbacks, especially with the CBA restrictions?
Allar's Advantage
It's hard to ignore the fact that Allar was a third-round pick, a significant investment by the Steelers. McCarthy has made it clear he sees potential in Allar, and with the team's history of retaining young quarterbacks over veteran backups, it's a trend that could continue. Howard, despite McCarthy's praise, may find himself on the outside looking in.
Trade Scenarios
The Steelers have shown in the past that they're not afraid to make moves. Trading Joshua Dobbs in 2019, for example, opened the door for Devlin Hodges. It's a strategy that could be employed again if the Steelers find themselves with an excess of quarterbacks. Will Howard be the trade bait this time around?
Final Thoughts
While Batch's analysis provides an insightful look at the quarterback room, it's important to remember that football is a team sport. The Steelers' decision will impact not just the quarterbacks but the entire team dynamic. Personally, I think the Steelers will keep their options open, but with a strong preference towards Allar. Howard's future may lie elsewhere, but his talent could be a valuable asset for another team. It's a fascinating situation, and one that highlights the intricate decisions NFL teams face every season.
