The Pittsburgh Steelers opened their preseason with a 31-25 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, highlighted by impressive quarterback play. Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson combined for four touchdown passes and posted a 135.5 passer rating.
Analyst Mark Madden praised Rudolph in particular, suggesting he could start for many teams and would be a strong backup to Aaron Rodgers. Madden also noted that Rodgers is unlikely to play all 17 games, making Rudolph’s role more significant this season.
Improved Tackle Play Boosts Quarterbacks, While Rookie Running Back Faces Early Struggles
A key factor in the quarterbacks’ success was the improved performance from the offensive tackles. Troy Fautanu, who played just one game last year, and Broderick Jones, who previously struggled on the right side, both showed progress. Madden expressed relief that the tackle play was at least serviceable, though he criticized how the team had mishandled Jones’ development by moving him into unsuitable roles early in his career.
Mason Rudolph (NFL)Not all aspects of the offense impressed, as rookie running back Kaleb Johnson struggled to make an impact. He gained only 20 yards on eight carries, dropped a pass, and made a blocking misread that contributed to a sack. Despite the underwhelming performance, Madden still supports giving Johnson playing time to develop, arguing that Jaylen Warren is not the long-term answer and that rookies need opportunities to learn on the field.
Rookie Development Debates, Defensive Standouts, and Steelers’ Broader Roster and Contract Talks
Madden criticized the Steelers’ tendency to ease rookies in too slowly, which he believes can hinder their growth. He contrasted players like Jones, Kenny Pickett, and Keeanu Benton, who had to wait for starting roles, with others like Najee Harris, George Pickens, and Pat Freiermuth, who contributed heavily from day one.
Injuries have also forced the team to give some rookies early opportunities, as seen last season with Mason McCormick and Beanie Bishop.
The conversation also covered defensive standouts and broader team issues. Madden and his co-host discussed Beanie Bishop, Brandin Echols, and Cole Holcomb’s roles, as well as contract situations for Cameron Heyward and Chris Boswell. They also touched on a lighter topic, speculation about MLB pitcher Paul Skenes possibly receiving a contract extension from the Pittsburgh Pirates, framing it as a “pie-in-the-sky” rumor.
