The Pittsburgh Steelers weren't sure what they were going to get from Mason Rudolph as they went into their Week 16 game against the Cincinnati Bengals in. It had been quite some time since Rudolph had suited up as the starting quarterback for the Steelers so rust was a concern, as well as the sluggish tendencies of their offense. Looking back at the 34-11 victory that Rudolph led Pittsburgh to, the worry was all for nothing, and now the question is whether Rudolph can keep his confident play going. According to Rudolph, having consistent practice as the starter is making all the difference.
Tony Avelar / Associated Press
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph has a ridiculous arm and has been patiently waiting to show what he can do
Steelers' Rudolph Taking Full Advantage Of Starting Reps
When most of your career has been spent watching from the bench, actually experiencing the feeling of getting to take starting reps in practice has been very different for Rudolph. During the preparation leading up to the Cincinnati game, Kenny Pickett was doing all he could to work back into the starting lineup, but his ankle wasn't fully ready to go.
With Week 17 and the Seattle Seahawks waiting, Rudolph has been able to have a week's work where he legitimately feels like the starting quarterback. When he spoke to the media following practice on Wednesday, Rudolph spoke about the change of being given those opportunities as a starter in practice and the confidence it's been giving him.
"I'm taking it one day at a time. Really just enjoying getting reps in practice. It's foreign. It seems like it's foreign. You build confidence when you stack good day on good day."
That is a very honest statement from a truly excited player. Rudolph hasn't gotten to feel like this very often in his career, especially not as the backup to Ben Roethlisberger, so to actually feel supported in his role as the starter has to mean a great deal. If Rudolph was able to perform as he did in Week 16 with practices where the starting job was up in the air, then the possibility of an even more confident Rudolph letting it fly against the Seahawks is very real.
And to be clear, Mason Rudolph confirms he took the starter reps in Steelers practice today.
— Brian Batko (@BrianBatko) December 27, 2023
There is the sense that Rudolph is taking it all in during this experience, especially with the former first-round draft pick in Pickett in the wings with a nearly-healed ankle. After beating the Bengals, though, the organization and the fans feel much more at ease knowing that Rudolph will be fully ready and capable on Sunday.
SHELLY LIPTON / GETTY
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett's injuries have kept him from successfully following his 2022 rookie season
Steelers Have An Excellent Chance To Gain Ground Against Seahawks
When the Steelers were limping and battered after their three-game losing streak that stretched from Week 13 until Week 15, things seemed bleak for the franchise. Mitch Trubisky had proven yet again why he isn't a starting NFL quarterback, and it seemed like every phase of the game was subpar at best and horrific at worst. Then came Week 16, where the confidence and leadership of a longtime backup quarterback did the nearly impossible task of turning the ship around.
Rudolph threw for just under 300 yards and tallied two touchdowns through the air as well, both to George Pickens, who was on his own kind of redemption tour. The team rallied behind Rudolph and put together their most complete game of the 2023 season, with offense, defense, and special teams all working in unison to produce a true, absolute win. While achieving victory in dramatic fashion and having comeback games are entertaining, the Steelers needed to feel the confidence that comes from beating a team as they did.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens has battled immaturity during his young career, but there is no doubting his game-changing talent
Was the emotion and drive due to the divisional nature of the game and the emotions of Rudolph starting for the first time since 2021? Perhaps in the beginning, as Steelers fans saw when Pittsburgh went up 13-0 against the Indianapolis Colts, only for that to turn into another disastrous loss. For the 2023 Steelers to score early and in a big way, and then to keep building on that was a drastic move away from what has been commonly happening in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers have practically no room left for error if they want the 2023 playoffs to be a reality. There is a feeling of anticipation to see what Rudolph can do in this offense with a full week of him getting starting reps, but more so to see if the team will once again rally to lift themselves closer to that precious postseason berth. Right now, it's just hope, but if the Steelers and Rudolph can put together some more magic, 2023 might not be done just yet.
How many yards will Mason Rudolph throw for against the Seattle Seahawks?
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