Final Cincinnati thoughts
I hope everyone in Steeler’s Nation had a wonderful Holiday and Merry Christmas! It has been fun to sit back, watch football, and relish in the Steelers getting the big W on Saturday night. The Steelers looked every bit of a playoff team and a team that still rallies around their coach in times of adversity. The Steelers won convincingly and then they received a lot of help across the NFL, most notably with the entire AFC South losing. In addition, Denver and Kansas City lost. The Ravens won and thus puts them in a position where they could not have anything to play for in week 18. All of these outcomes increased Pittsburgh’s chances of making the playoffs with “wins.”
In terms of my final thoughts on the game: I have not been able to watch the All-22 as it hasn’t been released yet and I was busy with Christmas duties; however, I did rewatch the TV broadcast and focused in on several plays throughout the game. As I thought during the live broadcast, the Steelers played exceptionally as a team. Nearly all of the players contributed in positive ways and other than 1 defensive breakdown (the 80 yard score to Higgins), this team played winning football. They forced Browning to be uncomfortable all night, forced 3 interceptions, 3 sacks, and 6 QB hits. Despite being severely limited on the defensive side of the ball and utilizing practice squad players, they communicated well and delivered one of their best outings of the season.
As most of Steeler’s Nation agrees, the Steelers had above average, if not stellar quarterback play. Mason Rudolph played very well and delivered a performance that we needed to win this game. He missed only a few throws and most importantly, protected the football. He did not take any risks and made the right reads. Despite the obvious related to the QB play, George Pickens play, TJ Watt play, and Alex Highsmith play, there were also many others that played key roles at key times. I counted 2 important catches by Allen Robinson, 1 key 3rd down to Dionte on final drive of first half, Presley Harvin III handling of a bad snap on a FG and several good punts inside the 20, and Myles Jack coming in to be the “green dot” most of the game. No one is taking anything away from Mason’s play, but this Steeler win shows what this team is capable of when they players play well.
I think the Steelers can use this performance to build momentum and make a playoff push. No matter what happens down the stretch, it feels awfully good to sweep the Bengals. This team now has the opportunity to go 5-1 in the most competitive division in football.
Go Steelers.
Cincinnati (Immediate thoughts)
Pittsburgh Steeler fans, we live to fight another day! Thanks to a very solid team effort and 4 strong quarters, the Steelers swept the Bengals to push their record to 8-7. Watching the game live showed a few very obvious improvements from their recent play. The energy was palpable. The urgency was felt. The Coach’s message was received. The Steelers once again made the Bengals running game obsolete and thus forced them to be one dimensional. This resulted in a lot of pressure on Jake Browning, which resulted in 3 costly INTs (one in the end zone, one resulted in Steelers scoring a touchdown, one ending all hopes of comeback). The Steelers looked the part and played like a team that could win a playoff game.
Mason Rudolph played exceptionally well; not exceptionally well for not playing in a while, but truly exceptionally well. He knew where to go with the football and made several good throws. Then he made 2 great throws to GP and the results were 14 points. The “run after catch” element of this game played a significant role and it was welcome! However, I cannot point out enough times that Mason did NOT turn the ball over. I do not remember him having any throws that “could have” been intercepted. This, is winning football. The Steelers win and win a lot when they do not turn the ball over.
There will be a lot of talk this week about “why didn’t they play Mason sooner?” and “do you start Kenny or Mason next week?” The first of these questions are irrelevant and there is ample tape/reasons for why Mason spent most of this year and last as qb3. He also tested the waters of free agency last year and had zero interest across the league. Is this guy a superstar? No. Was he THE superstar the Steelers needed tonight to keep their season alive? Yes.
The Steelers need to continue to find ways to mold this recipe into 2 more wins. Run the ball effectively (113 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns), win the turnover battle (3-0), allow your playmakers to make plays (Pickens obviously), and not get behind (24-0 lead). This is how they win. My only hope is that they don’t end up 10-7 overall with a 5-1 record in the hardest division only to miss the playoffs by 1/2 game. First thing is first, win in Seattle next week.
Go Steelers.