The Pittsburgh Steelers have announced that third string QB Devlin Hodges will start on Sunday against the Browns.
In the thick of the playoff hunt, the Steelers have chosen to make a change at quarterback. Rudolph in his last two starts has thrown one touchdown to five interceptions. After relieving Rudolph in last week’s matchup against Cincinnati, Hodges completed five of 11 passes for one touchdown and no interceptions.
Adam Schefter announced that Pittsburgh would make the move on Tuesday, via Twitter.
This change could be due to two things. First of all, as mentioned above, Rudolph has not been playing well in his past two games. In addition to throwing five picks, he also is completing below 52 percent of his passes. So it is possible the Steelers are riding the hot hand after Hodges secured the win against the Bengals.
The second reason for his benching could be due to the brawl against these same Browns in Week 11. Rudolph was a focal point of the fight, as Myles Garrett removed his helmet and used it as a weapon against him. Punches and kicks were thrown, suspensions were handed out and both teams were fined.
It is entirely possible that coach Mike Tomlin does not want to gamble by trotting out the same quarterback who was in the middle of the brawl, fearing the Browns would continue to hold ill will toward him. Whether or not that is fair to the Rudolph or the Browns, is up for debate. But it is a measured response. Especially when it can be argued that Hodges gives Pittsburgh a better chance to win.
The Browns, without Myles Garrett, will travel to Pittsburgh to take on Hodges and the Steelers at 1:00 on Sunday, December 1.
Featured Image courtesy of Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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