5 best training camp battles for Steelers in 2019

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 30: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Samuels (38) reverses the ball during the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA on December 30, 2018. (Photo by Shelley Lipton/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 30: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) scrambles with the ball during the preseason NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers on August 30, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh PA. (Photo by Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Backup quarterback

Joshua Dobbs vs. Mason Rudolph

When you have a player as prolific as veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, the thought of him missing any time on the field would be a bit distressing. Including his NFL debut in Week 2 of 2004 at Baltimore against the Ravens, he’s played in 216 regular-season contests and made 214 starts. He’s thrown for 56,194 yards (sixth in NFL history) and 363 scores (seventh in NFL history) with 180 interceptions. But the slippery veteran has also taken his share of shots, sacked a combined 501 times in those 216 contests. That’s the third-highest total since the NFL since the league began to recognize that statistic back in 1963. Roethlisberger trails only Pro Football Hall of Famers Brett Favre (525) and John Elway (516) in this regard.

So the 37-year-old veteran prepares for his 16th campaign and not surprisingly, the Steelers have drafted quarterbacks in recent years not only in pursuit of a young backup but perhaps an heir apparent as well (which doesn’t appear likely anytime soon). And Josh Dobbs was pressed into action this past season on a few occasions when Roethlisberger was injured. In Week 14 at Oakland, he saw substantial time – connecting on only four of his nine throws for 24 yards while being picked off once. Then again, there was that memorable 22-yard completion to wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster in Week 9 at Baltimore on second down and 20 from the team’s own 5-yard-line early in the fourth quarter in what would prove to be a 23-16 win over the Ravens.

While Dobbs was a fourth-round selection (Tennessee) in 2017, former Oklahoma State standout Mason Rudolph was a third-round pick a year ago. There’s certainly a contrast in styles between the two young signal-callers and the latter saw no regular-season action as a rookie. Does either player have an edge at the moment?

Next: No. 3

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