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.