PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Steelers somehow did the unthinkable just two weeks ago and advanced to the playoffs. But we all know that now. We also know how and why.
With the Steelers traveling to take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday afternoon for a wild-card playoff game, there's perhaps no better time to open up the good old-fashioned mailbag and answer a few questions (hint: it was a lot about Mason Rudolph and Mike Tomlin).
Since you're so interested, let's talk about it. You have questions and I have answers – that's how this thing works.
(Note: Some questions have been edited for clarity and length.)
If Mason Rudolph wins the franchise's first playoff game since 2016, how can they let him walk in free agency and go back to Kenny Pickett? -Hunter L.
This is easy: because Rudolf may not want to come back. He might be offered more money or have a better opportunity elsewhere. One way around this is to offer him a contract he can't refuse even before free agency opens. But even then, why would Rudolph agree to this? He will be able to really test his market value for the first time.
The difficult part is that its market value probably isn't something he wants to see. I've been a believer in Rudolph for years, but I was certainly in the minority. I realize other teams might be more skeptical than the Steelers after the three-game sample size. I will say this: If the Steelers want Rudolph, they can keep him.
Is there any “short leash” scenario with Rudolph in the first round of the playoffs? – Sean L.
of course not. Tomlin doesn't treat quarterbacks that way, regardless of it being a sudden death game. It's Rudolph's game from start to finish. Plus, do you want Beckett, who hasn't played in over two months, coming off the bench? I will not do that.
Do you think the Steelers will hire an offensive coordinator who doesn't want Pickett as their starting quarterback? -Michael S.
I think there will be some candidates who won't take the job unless Pickett isn't the starter. If that were the case, the Steelers wouldn't hire them. Like it or not, Pickett will be part of this team for the next two years and could be inserted back into the starting lineup next year, so the new captain will be as good as what he saw outside of KP.
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Should we expect the Steelers to bring in competition for the QB position through the draft or free agency next season? — Ibrahim D.
It will all depend on what Rudolph does. If Rudolph leaves as a free agent, yes, they have to bring someone in, but I can't see that being competition for Pickett as the starter. I'm telling you: Pickett will get every benefit of the doubt as a first-round pick, and he probably should. What the Steelers failed to do was bring back Matt Canada in January, beginning what escalated into the belief that Pickett is a failure.
If the Steelers have a QB competition next season, will it be open and fair? -Grace J.
I hoped so. But what has happened over the past few years may not suggest that will be the case.
Have you heard anything about the rumors that Mike Tomlin might be leaving after this season? — Michael M.
Interestingly enough, this has come to light now, with Tomlin having one year left on his contract. ESPN's Adam Schefter suggested on Sunday that Tomlin “may eventually decide to take some time off.” Tomlin's friend, Fox's Jay Glazer, said Sunday that it will be Tomlin's choice on whether or not he returns to the Steelers. Both reporters said Tomlin would not be fired.
Tomlin is not the highest-paid coach in the league and probably should be near the top. This is how I read this: He wants to stay with the Steelers but is trying to gain some leverage to get paid more. Nothing in my mind or bones believes Tomlin would want to walk away from the team quite like Sean Payton did two years ago with the Saints. impossible. never. Does not happen.
I know Tomlin isn't leaving. But, let's play a game in which Glazer and Schefter's reports are correct and he could consider stepping down. Who do you think will be on the short list to replace Tomlin? -Anthony C.
You're right, Tomlin isn't leaving. But I will play this game. First, I think it would be very difficult right now to even put a name on that list, but I'll give you who I'd like to see get a chance: Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. I know fans don't want a defensive-minded coach, but I think Glenn is special. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores should be on that short list. Texans OC Bobby Slowik would also be interesting. Sadly none of this will happen.
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Is there any chance the Steelers fire DC Teryl Austin or STC Danny Smith? Could the OC be an outsider with head coaching experience like Todd Haley? – Ryan B.
Austin isn't going anywhere. The only way Smith will go is if he decides to retire, and I'm not sure he's there yet. There will be minimal staff changes after the season, but the brunt will fall on the offensive coordinator. They'll be bringing in a new guy regardless of whether Eddie Faulkner leads them to the Super Bowl, and Art Rooney II will have a big say in who that guy is. No, head coaching experience will not be necessary.
What are the chances of Najee Harris being selected for the fifth year? -Justin C.
I've been saying for a while that the Steelers not only should but will pick Harris. These last three matches have changed the opinions of many people abroad. The bottom line is that his option is cheap. According to Over the Cap, it will cost them $6.7 million. This is what center Mason Cole is made of.
Do you think Nick Herbig can step up against Buffalo? -Craig B.
Yes and no. Herbig has a quick pass to his movements to cause chaos. We've seen it in camp, in the preseason and, at times, during the regular season. But the Herbig/Marcus combination will have to be golden to replace TJ Watt, and I think that's how they'll handle it until Watt comes back.
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Is it crazy to think that while Watt is out, it shouldn't significantly impact the defense overall with Golden and Herbig this year? – Mark W.
Read what I just wrote there, Mark. TJ Watt is the best defensive player in the league, and the Steelers are 1-10 all-time without him. It will affect the defense. so far.
Bills are a real heavy favorite. How can the Steelers maximize their chances of winning in Buffalo? – Sally L.
It's really simple: keep doing what you've been doing. They need to hit the ball in the run game, own time of possession and hit some plays down the field. On defense, they have to pressure Josh Allen to make bad throws, which he tends to do from time to time. It's that simple the plan. Implementation is a stickler.
Will Sunday afternoon (or when the Steelers finally lose) be Cameron Heyward's last game? -Jan M.
No, I can see his term being extended before I can see him released. I admit he struggled this year, but a lot of that has to do with his injury and subsequent recovery from surgery. Heyward loves this game too much to leave now, and there's no way the Steelers would give up a player who has meant so much to them over the years. Rooney would rather eat that salary than take it down.
Are the Steelers getting the most out of Minkah Fitzpatrick? Their scheme seems to limit his playmaking ability. —Michael W.
Not this year, but with him missing so much of the season due to injuries and being needed elsewhere when healthy, it's difficult to evaluate how the coaching staff will use him. They put him where they needed him most. That wasn't always the best place for him to make plays, I get that, but you have to do things you don't want to do just to get through the year.
What are GM Omar Khan's top five priorities at the end of the regular season? – Sarthak J.
Are we going there already? Yes. In no particular order: Continuing to bolster the offensive line, especially through the draft. He tried to re-sign Rudolph. Bengals sign wide receiver Tyler Boyd in free agency. Extension tight end Pat Freiermuth. How's that for being specific?
From last year's draft until now, what do you think is the biggest mistake the team made? —Al D.
Tomlin plays Mitch Trubisky in that Colts game. Not starting Joey Porter Jr. until a month into the season comes in second, followed by bringing Canada back in January of last year.
(Mason Rudolph Image: Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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