Steelers: Devlin Hodges Has Chance to Make Lasting Impression in Week 14

The Pittsburgh Steelers will play the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 14 matchup that could have some major consequences for one player in particular.

As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare to take on the Arizona Cardinals in Week 14, the team faces some pressure. Currently holding the No. 6 seed in the AFC, Pittsburgh controls their playoff fate but must be careful not to overlook this week’s opponent. The Cardinals, despite sitting at 3-8-1 on the season have shown flashes of competence this season and will give the Steelers a tough test. With a chance to remain in control of their playoff future, the offense must continue to show improvement. Considering what is on the line and the consequences a loss would have, there is one player that has a chance to make a huge impression this week – Steelers quarterback Devlin Hodges.

As a starter last week, Hodges was an immediate improvement over Mason Rudolph. It took a little while, but once he settled in, Hodges had the look of a competent NFL quarterback in guiding his team to victory over the rival Cleveland Browns. This week, however, Hodges has a chance to prove himself as more than just a solid backup. Facing off against a Cardinals secondary that can be exploited, Hodges looks well set up to enjoy a big day.

Without JuJu Smith-Schuster or James Conner in the lineup once again, it won’t be easy for Hodges, but as he showed last week, he has the talent to overcome those losses. As a rhythm passer that is a perfect fit for Pittsburgh’s offensive scheme, he just needs to sit back and take what the defense gives him.

Hodges may never be an elite starter, but in Week 14, he has a chance to prove that he belongs in the NFL long-term. He’s shown flashes in his limited action so far, and he’s certainly an improvement on Rudolph, but a big performance could entice Pittsburgh or another team to look at Hodges as a long-term backup or even a potential low-end starter. Week 14 brings plenty of pressure for the Pittsburgh Steelers and their young quarterback, but he has a chance to make quite an impression.