Josh Dobbs didn't lose the Steelers backup job, Mason Rudolph won it

Mason Rudolph came into the 2019 summer with more confidence than many expected after a slow start to his NFL career. After losing the backup role to Josh Dobbs in his rookie season, Steelers fans began to question how long it would be before they started to see the future of the quarterback position.

It didn't take long. While some are saying Josh Dobbs came into the preseason and "lost" the position, it isn't true - Mason Rudolph won it.

From the start, Rudolph came out hot, putting the pressure on Dobbs to earn his spot for another season. After four games, 368 yards and four touchdowns, the bar was set pretty high for anyone to prove themselves more worthy than the third-round pick.

On the other hand, Dobbs was underperforming in four games of action. His 280 yards, zero touchdowns and two interceptions didn't land him the backup job, and it may have put him on the trade block as a potential backup for other teams.

Dobbs remains a potential trade target for teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans and other teams with quarterback depth needs. It may not be the Steelers backup job, but there remains a chance he finds himself playing a number two role this season.

At the end of the day, though, Josh Dobbs didn't lose anything - Mason Rudolph won everything. From Week 1, the pressure was set high, forcing Dobbs to play with weight on his shoulder. As the preseason went on, Rudolph continued to shine while Dobbs felt more and more sense of urgency.

The backup job was no one's to win. Dobbs came in with experience and Rudolph came in with something to prove. When it was all said and done, the former Oklahoma State star proved why he's the future of the Steelers quarterback position.