In a dramatic turn of events, the Pittsburgh Steelers found stability and triumph with Mason Rudolph, securing a decisive 34-11 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals after weeks of quarterback uncertainty. Initially positioned third on the Steelers’ QB depth chart, Rudolph stepped up to fill the void left by the absence of starter Kenny Pickett, who has been sidelined with a right ankle injury since December 3.
Pittsburgh (8-7) dominated the first half, establishing a commanding 24-0 lead, while the Bengals (8-7) struggled to mount a comeback. The defeat dealt a significant blow to Cincinnati’s playoff aspirations, reducing their chances to a mere 14%. Here’s a breakdown of the key performances from both teams:
In an unexpected Christmas weekend triumph, the Steelers, led by Rudolph and a depleted defense, overcame the Bengals. Rudolph orchestrated six scoring drives, contributing to a remarkable 24-point first half—the Steelers’ highest opening frame score since Week 7 of the 2020 season. Despite missing key defensive players, the Steelers limited the Bengals to just 11 points and forced three interceptions from Bengals quarterback Jake Browning.
Once criticized by fans for his struggles in 2019, Rudolph experienced a turnaround, with his name echoed by the stadium crowd in the fourth quarter. The victory not only revived the Steelers’ fading playoff hopes, snapping a three-game losing streak but also alleviated some of the recent criticism surrounding Coach Mike Tomlin and the team’s perceived lack of leadership and effort.
The standout performer of the game was wide receiver George Pickens, who redeemed himself after pre-game scrutiny. Pickens showcased a breakout performance, turning a short pass into an 86-yard touchdown, the Steelers’ longest since 2018. With another touchdown in the second half, Pickens totaled a career-high 195 yards, surpassing 1,000 yards for the season.
Looking ahead, a bold prediction anticipates Rudolph starting against the Seattle Seahawks. While Pickett, recovering from ankle surgery, was a limited participant in practice, Rudolph’s impressive showing suggests riding the hot hand for the Steelers.
A pivotal play of the game was Rudolph’s 44-yard pass to Pickens on third-and-15, preventing the Bengals from regaining possession before halftime. The Steelers capitalized on the momentum, concluding the half with a 50-yard field goal for a 24-0 lead.
A noteworthy statistic was the Steelers’ 178 yards after the catch, a significant improvement from their pre-game average. This win sets the stage for a crucial final two weeks of the season for the Steelers.
In contrast, the Bengals experienced a massive letdown, ending a three-game winning streak and severely jeopardizing their playoff hopes. Despite being favored on the road, Cincinnati faltered, trailing 24-0 at halftime and now facing the challenge of defeating Kansas City and Cleveland to salvage their postseason aspirations. The defeat dropped their playoff chances to 14%, according to ESPN Analytics.
Summing up the game in two words: Massive letdown. The Bengals failed to capitalize on the Steelers’ turmoil and were convincingly defeated despite their status as road favorites.
An analysis of the game plan identified a significant flaw in covering George Pickens, who exploited weaknesses in the Bengals’ defense. Pickens’ explosive plays, including an 86-yard touchdown, exposed Cincinnati’s vulnerabilities and contributed to their downfall.
Quarterback Jake Browning, instrumental in the Bengals’ recent successes, struggled in this game, committing key turnovers, including a red-zone interception and a first-half fumble. The Steelers, for the second time this year, got the better of Browning.
A notable Next Gen stat highlighted Browning’s vulnerability to pressure when not blitzed, facing pressure on 17 of 34 throws without a blitz. The Bengals now prepare for a crucial game against the Chiefs on Sunday, December 31, hoping to revive their playoff aspirations.
