Sunday Morning Joe: Enter Mason Rudolph

It's the dawn of the Mason Rudolph era for the Pittsburgh Steelers. At least this season. The second-year quarterback will lead this team however far he can take them in 2019, while his Hall of Fame teacher spends the season recovering.

While the success of the Steelers doesn't sit solely in the hands of the quarterback, much of it will come through his play. Rudolph's performance this season will be determined by a number of factors - Mike Tomlin, James Conner, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and of course, Ben Roethlisberger.

The third-round pick will have all his support staff around him as he steps on the field for this first NFL start. Ultimately, though, the 0-2 Steelers put their season on the line in San Francisco with a brand new leader, and whether or not they turn 2019 around has almost everything to do with how well Rudolph can play moving forward.

Expectations are hard to determine. On one hand, you have two and a half quarters of football against one of the NFL's best defense that show Rudolph can play well. He scored 26 points while commanding this offense, and brought the Steelers to within two points in a home field comeback.

On the other hand, it's hard to believe any first-time starting quarterback steps into the role on a team with a struggling defense, redefined receiving core and a underperforming running game, and succeeds. The 49ers aren't 2-0 for no reason. Their defense is revamped with talent, the offense is clicking on all-cylinders and they're playing at home. It's going to be a difficult challenge for Rudolph.

The Steelers don't win this game through the arm of Rudolph. Minkah Fitzpatrick adding a spark to the secondary is a key element. James Conner finally having that breakout game of 2019. The defense as a whole creating turnovers, oh, and keeping a team under 25 points. There's a long list of factors.

It's a game you head into with a sense of unknowing optimism. There's nothing that says Rudolph can't win with this team. He almost did last week. With a full game to work with, and some new pieces to work with, you have no idea how this one turns out.

Enter Mason Rudolph - the third-round pick Pittsburgh is now betting on. A man who once led the FBS in passing yards, and turned his first regular season action from an interception into two touchdowns and a chance at a win.