Mike Tomlin Reveals Steelers Plan to Stick With Devlin Hodges at Quarterback
By Michael Luciano
After getting trounced by a top-tier Buffalo Bills' defense on Sunday night, there was some question as to whether or not Devlin Hodges would remain under center for the Pittsburgh Steelers going forward.
Well, on Tuesday, Mike Tomlin announced the Steelers' plans to stick with Hodges. Rather than replace the rookie with Mason Rudolph, Hodges will draw his fifth start of the year in Week 16 against the New York Jets.
After a few days to consider it, #Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says they are going with the Duck. Devlin Hodges will start in Week 16.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 17, 2019
Hodges had won his first three starts this season, but his pixie dust appeared to run out against the Bills on Sunday Night Football. Hodges was intercepted four times while completing 23-of-38 pass attempts for 202 yards and a touchdown.
The former Samford Bulldog is now up to five touchdowns on the season against six interceptions. For comparison purposes, Mason Rudolph threw 12 TDs and nine picks while leading the Steelers to a 5-3 record in eight games as the starter.
Coach Tomlin said Devlin Hodges will be the #Steelers QB on Sunday vs. the Jets.
— Missi Matthews (@missi_matthews) December 17, 2019
Pittsburgh is still technically the six seed in the playoffs, with the Tennessee Titans hot on their tail at 8-6. Hodges can't afford to throw up another stinker, lest the Steelers find themselves out of the postseason for the second straight season.
He'll have a chance to bounce back against a Jets defense that just got surrendered a staggering 42 points at the hands of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens.