The Pittsburgh Steelers and their fans received an unexpected and delightful Christmas gift on Saturday when Mason Rudolph, stepping in for an injured Kenny Pickett and a failing Mitch Trubisky, delivered a stellar performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rudolph's 290 passing yards and two touchdowns helped secure a resounding 34-11 victory, reigniting slim hopes of a playoff berth for the Steelers.
Gene J. Puskar / ap photo
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) waves as he walks off the field after the Cincinnati Bengals game, Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, in Pittsburgh.
With the momentum from his exceptional performance, the question on everyone's mind is whether Rudolph can sustain this level of play as he gears up for a crucial Week 17 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. However, not everyone shares the optimism surrounding Rudolph's sudden resurgence. Pro Football Focus lead NFL analyst, Sam Monson, has cast doubts on Rudolph's ability to maintain his newfound brilliance, suggesting that he may soon revert to his previous form.
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph Gets A Reality Check
During the NFL Week 17 Preview Show on Friday, Monson voiced his skepticism about Rudolph's chances of replicating his Christmas miracle on the gridiron. According to Monson, the magic that unfolded on Saturday is unlikely to linger, comparing Rudolph to a bright orange pumpkin.
"It probably won't even last this week. I suspect Mason Rudolph turns back into a pumpkin. It was a Christmas miracle, and it's not Christmas anymore."
Monson's blunt assessment raises valid concerns about the sustainability of Rudolph's success. While the Steelers and their fans reveled in the holiday triumph, the looming challenge against the Seahawks presents a stern test for Rudolph. Can he defy the odds and maintain his performance at a consistent level, or were his holiday heroics merely a brief and wondrous anomaly?
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) escapes the Bengals pass rush.
Despite his skepticism, Monson did entertain the notion that Rudolph could potentially follow a career resurrection path akin to Geno Smith's remarkable journey. Smith, the Seahawks' quarterback, experienced a career resurgence in 2022 after being written off by many. Monson acknowledged that there's no inherent reason why Rudolph couldn't emulate Smith's revival; however, he cautioned against expecting history to repeat itself so quickly.
"There is no reason he can't be the next Geno; it's just that it probably won't happen. Generally speaking, one-of-a-kind historical outliers don't repeat again a year or two later."
While Rudolph's performance has ignited hope among Steelers fans, Monson's cautionary words underscore the rare and extraordinary nature of career comebacks, making them a challenging feat to replicate.
For Rudolph, the true test of his recent success awaits him at Lumen Field, the home of the Seahawks and one of the NFL's most formidable environments for opposing teams. Rudolph will be making his second start of the 2023 season in the heart of the raucous 12th Man, where the noise and intensity can be overwhelming.
As Rudolph steps onto the field on Sunday, he faces not only the Seahawks' defense, but also the unforgiving conditions created by Seattle's fervent fan base. The challenges that come with playing at Lumen Field will push Rudolph to the limit, requiring him to demonstrate resilience and adaptability to maintain his performance.
Matt Durisko / Associated Press
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) celebrates a touchdown during a game.
Kenny Pickett's declaration of readiness to play presented the Steelers coaching staff with a challenging decision. Despite Pickett's availability, they chose to stick with Rudolph as the starter for the crucial Week 17 matchup against the Seahawks. This decision adds further intrigue to the ongoing quarterback situation in Pittsburgh.
If Rudolph manages an encore performance on the road in Seattle and secures a must-win victory, the quarterback debate in Pittsburgh is bound to continue to intensify. While Pickett remains a highly regarded option, Rudolph's resurgence could make the competition for the starting role even more heated. The outcome of Sunday's game against the Seahawks will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the Steelers' quarterback situation and their playoff aspirations. As of right now, the Steelers don't have strong postseason hopes, but the path starts with beating the Seahawks.
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