Mason Rudolph on his doubters: 'Shoot, I totally understand the barbershop talk'

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Mason Rudolph revealed on the Jim Rome Show on Friday that Matt Canada's offense was limited under Ben Roethlisberger. It was a pretty obvious statement and something everyone pretty much already knew, as Roethlisberger was in his 18th year and Canada was a first-year play-caller in the NFL. The offense wasn't just going to drastically change in Canada's favor.

“There were some concepts that Ben (Roethlisberger) had ran and Ben had been comfortable with for 10 years,” Rudolph said. “No matter who the coordinator was, (Roethlisberger) was tied to some concepts, and I think there was a bit of a mesh between him and the coordinator. You get that kind of leeway when you’re an 18-year future Hall of Fame quarterback."

Rudolph said he's looking forward to competing for the starting job and working within Canada's offense.

“But I am excited this year to just kind of have the dialogue with Matt and move forward with his bread-and-butter," Rudolph said. "He’s a play-action guy, he’s a push-the-ball-down-the-field guy, and I think that suits my style well.”

With Roethlisberger retired, Rudolph won't have to worry about stepping on his toes either. So, you might see a more relaxed and comfortable Rudolph.

“I’m having an entire offseason with a different mindset," Rudolph said. "Every year, yeah, am I preparing like a starter? Yes, but you know when you get back to camp there’s a Hall of Famer there who is the starter."

The Steelers will likely sign a quarterback in free agency or draft one, so Rudolph is aware that he'll face competition. He won't just be handed the starting job. He also knows that many doubters believe that he's not a starting quarterback.

“Shoot, I totally understand the barbershop talk,” Rudolph told Rome. “You’re playing one of the most highly-scrutinized positions in all of sports, and it come with the dinner. I get that. I never understand the guys who invite it and then cry wolf at the end. I totally understand (being criticized) and I enjoy it. And I think I’ve got lot of prove, and that motivates me.”