The quarterback conundrum continues in Pittsburgh

The list of potential names at QB continues to dwindle down for the Steelers, with no firm solution in sight. We know the names left in the mix, and they all leave much to be desired.

The money that Aaron Rodgers reportedly wants is far too high for his age, potential attitude problem, and his busted Dan Marino (Marino was the first player I knew of that tore his Achilles tendon, so that body part is forever thought of as a Dan Marino in my mind) will leave him as a sitting duck behind a line that is sure to experience pass-pro growing pains this season. People said Wilson can no longer move like he once could, but Rodgers literally can not move at all. He spent all of last year in Pistol or Shotgun, and the Jets ran almost zero play-action or used motion. Now think about what an Arthur Smith offense is built on, and it seems like a match made far south of heaven. Combine that with his penchant for snide remarks calling out receivers and the combustible nature of Pickens and Metcalf, and that’s a Steelers locker room primed for disaster…although the thought of Metcalf grabbing Rodgers in a headlock does put a smile on my face.

Russell Wilson should be cheaper, and if the Steelers do manage to keep Pickens on the roster after the addition of DK Metcalf, it will at least set him up for the only pass he seems to be able to throw. It will be moon balls galore, and under the best of situations, that would force teams to keep two safeties deep and lighten the box for the running game. An offense based on one working pass route, however, is doomed to stall out.

There have been talks that Mason Rudolph could be an option, but I can’t imagine he would ever want to come back to this organization. Also, after watching some of his games as a starter in Tennessee this year, if Mike Tomlin actually does place a priority on his non-losing season streak, that would probably be a last resort emergency option. Mason is good for relief in a pinch, but starter quality he is not.

One name that excites me is Joe Milton III. The Patriots are rumored to be interested in a trade. I watched his only start against the Bills last year, and I remembered being extremely impressed. I am not one to trust my memory anymore, so I rewatched the game today. Milton’s play was as good as I remembered. Drake May played one series. It was a three and out, with a high incomplete pass to a tight end followed by a sack. Milton came in and started the game 11 out of 11 with 139 yards and two touchdowns, one passing and one by way of a read option rush.

Yes, the Bills were sitting several starters. The Pats were also sitting some starters as well, and Milton was not getting helped by his offensive line. He was constantly picking up 3rd and long situations with pinpoint throws after his running game put them behind the chains. He had great pocket awareness, shrugged off sacks like a young Big Ben, kept his eyes downfield, and delivered more strikes to the middle of the field in one game than I saw all year from Fields or Wilson. Even with a leaky line letting free rushers in, Milton was not panicked or rushed, and never left the pocket early, but when he did, it resulted in huge chunks of yards with his legs. The game looked slow for him, and playing against starters or not, it was impressive for his first action in the league. On one play in particular, he overcame a bad snap and rushers in his face to roll out, reset his feet, and throw a rope down the middle for a 48 yard touchdown. It was the first time in 15 games that a Patriots receiver went over 100 yards.

I know it’s irrational to anoint a guy after one start in a meaningless game. Scott Mitchell and Gus Frerotte come to mind as back-ups that received big contracts after one good game and then went on to do…well…not much. Gus did give himself a concussion and a strained neck after headbutting a padded wall…good times.

No matter if the Steelers roll the dice with an aging Rodgers with his snarky attitude and tenuous Dan Marino both ready to snap at any time or keep Russell Wilson and his one trick pony passing arsenal, a quality back-up will be an absolute requirement. Based on a one game sample size, Milton would be as good a choice as any and possibly a better option than anyone being considered in the pole position right now. This feels like a “take a flyer” year and the schedule is crazy hard once again. As the team sits right now, I would bet the under on getting to .500 for the first time in years. Maybe Milton doesn’t know any better and can mess around and make me lose my money. I know I would feel better cheering for him, regardless. I like to root for the man instead of the laundry, and if he lands in Pittsburgh as a backup and ends up running the show, that would be an easy story to get behind.