The Pittsburgh Steelers had to win on Sunday and they did just that. Their 30-23 thriller against the Seattle Seahawks put Pittsburgh in a position to make the playoffs if things work out in Week 18. Here are our big takeaways from the win.
The power of the run game
Pittsburgh once again leaned on the run game and it paid off. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren combined for 197 rushing yards and three rushing scores against Seattle and completely dictated the tempo of the game.
Mason Rudolph is the best QB on the roster
The last two weeks have proven that Mason Rudolph is the top quarterback on this team. Has this been the case all season? It’s hard to say but you have to assume he’s been better than Mitch Trubisky all season. Rudolph was masterful again on Sunday and shows a level of poise and understanding on the offense we haven’t seen from Pickett or Trubisky this season.
Officials wrecking T.J. Watt
I’m sure the Seahawks right tackle is a nice person. But it’s tough to sit and watch him false start snap after snap to try and get a leg up on T.J. Watt and the officials not call it.
Offensive line in total control
Head coach Mike Tomlin challenged the offensive line this week and they answered. Despite center Mason Cole’s inability to properly snap the ball in shotgun, the offensive line was tremendous. The run game was dominant with huge holes for the backs to run through and we include the tight ends in this as they did a great job as well.
Defense is barely holding it together
Sunda
y was the worst we saw the secondary play thanks to the rash of injuries and lack of depth. Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was solid but if you include the inside linebackers in this mix, you just have to wonder how much thinner this group can be stretched in terms of depth and talent.
