Not surprising for a team that missed the playoffs with an 8-8 record, the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t get any love from the NFL’s website in its year-end quarterback rankings compilation.
Four editors at NFL.com examined all 57 quarterbacks who started at least one game in the league during the 2019 season, and the highest-rated Steelers passer was the one who took the fewest snaps.
Ben Roethlisberger, whose season was limited to six quarters because of a right elbow injury that required surgery, was ranked No. 37, one spot ahead of fellow 2004 draft class member Eli Manning.
To put a bow on 2019, the QB Index ranked all 57 quarterbacks who started a game. Who joined Lamar Jackson up top? And where do Dak Prescott and Gardner Minshew fit?https://t.co/uhL2HvjOGZ pic.twitter.com/sCHpgifBUd
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) February 11, 2020
The two young quarterbacks tasked with replacing Roethlisberger were ranked in the bottom quartile of NFL.com’s quarterback index.
Devlin Hodges drew a No. 46 ranking, and Mason Rudolph tied for No. 48.
Here is what editor Ali Bhanpuri wrote about Hodges: “When the Steelers needed him most, clinging to the unlikeliest of playoff berths, Duck went three straight games without topping 5.5 yards per attempt or a 50.0 passer rating. Pittsburgh nearly making the postseason in spite of its two-headed QB disaster (more on the second head in a minute) still absolutely floors me.”
Bhanpuri was equally unflattering in comments about Rudolph: “ When asked why he was starting Duck Hodges over a healthy Rudolph ahead of the Steelers’ Week 13 game, Mike Tomlin said, ” He has not killed us.” Says everything you need to know about Rudolph’s ranking here.”
At least neither Hodges nor Rudolph received NFL.com’s worst ranking. That honor was bestowed upon former West Virginia quarterback Will Grier, who was pressed into duty by the Carolina Panthers late in the season.
Tying for the top spot in the rankings were the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson and the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes. Rounding out the top 10 were Russell Wilson, Drew Brees, DeShaun Watson, Ryan Tannehill, Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford and Carson Wentz.
Among AFC North passers, Cleveland’s Baker Mayfield was ranked No. 24. The Bengals’ Andy Daulton was No. 30, with teammate Ryan Finley finishing No. 54
