Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph saw his first action of the season on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals after Aaron Rodgers went down with a left wrist injury. Rodgers’ status remains
up in the air for this week against the Chicago Bears, leaving the door open for Rudolph to start.
Rudolph entered the game in the second half and played well. The Steelers tried to change the pace at times and catch the Bengals off guard after scoring only 10 points in the first 30 minutes. Mike Tomlin described how the former third-round pick has improved over the years in quickly getting out of the huddle and playing with tempo.
“That was a component of his game in Stillwater,” Tomlin said at his weekly press conference. “I think that’s one of the subtle things you talk or think about when you bring the game to the quarterback.”
Rudolph led drives of 7:33 and 6:01, resulting in a field goal and touchdown to Kenneth Gainwell, respectively. He positioned Pittsburgh for 10 points in two drives, with the third and final possession of the half resulting in a kneel down.
“It’s not only plays but pace, personnel groups, relationships with eligibles,” Tomlin said.
Rudolph finished 12 of 16 for 121 yards, one touchdown, and a 118.5 rating. In 32 games (18 starts), Rudolph is 9-8-1 and owns 29 touchdowns, 20 interceptions, 4,754 yards, and an 85.5 rating. Tomlin credited multiple factors for the offense finding a rhythm without Rodgers.
“There are a lot of variables that come into consideration when you’re talking about teeing things up for a specific signal caller,” Tomlin said.
The Steelers’ ceiling is limited with Rudolph, but he has shown that he’s capable of stepping in and being a solid backup quarterback. Arguably, Rudolph is one of the best backups in the league. If called upon, Rudolph will need a similar performance to beat a 7-3 Bears team that is starting to find an identity with Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams.
