Mason Rudolph delivered an exceptional performance against the Bengals, earning him an A-grade in the weekly Steelers report card by Ray Fittipaldo and the game ball. His efforts not only secured the Steelers' largest margin of victory since 2020 but also won him the right to start the next game in Seattle. Teammate T.J. Watt and coach Mike Tomlin both acknowledged Rudolph's hard work and lack of rust in his play. The win was described as encouraging and desperately needed, improving the Steelers' AFC North record to 4-1 and keeping playoff hopes alive. If they secure victories in their upcoming games against Seattle and Baltimore, their path to the playoffs remains viable. Rudolph's performance was also personally significant, demonstrating resilience after facing early career challenges and accepting a third-string QB role without complaint. Additionally, the defense came up big in the game, and Pickens showed his potential, contributing to the victory.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on Mason Rudolph: "He was Mason ... He's got a belief in himself. He's aggressive in his playstyle. I thought he did a really good job not displaying a lot of rust."
I am so happy for @Rudolph2Mason. He had a stellar college career at Ok State. Showed flashes early in career but had trouble. Didn’t pout. Didn’t quit. Accepted 3rd string QB role. Put team first. Kept head down. Kept working. Stayed ready. We see you, Mason. #HereWeGo
T.J. Watt on Mason Rudolph "it's huge but I'm not surprised. The guy has put in so much hard work." #HereWeGo @NFLGameDay @nflnetwork https://t.co/lyXdIJE6cT
Here, in his weekly Steelers report card, @rayfitt1 gives Mason Rudolph an A-grade for his performance against the Bengals. "Rudolph earned the right to start next week’s game in Seattle." Check it out here ⬇️ https://t.co/ZIDrkLGoaD
Encouraging and desperately needed win for the #Steelers tonight. Mason Rudolph was sublime. Pickens showed his potential. D came up big. Now 4-1 in AFC North with a path to the playoffs if they win @ SEA and @ BAL. Credit to Tomlin for having them ready to play. #HereWeGo
Mason Rudolph showed OUT on Saturday 🔥 Largest margin of victory for the Steelers since 2020. https://t.co/MgwscBqFa7
Tomlin on Mason Rudolph: “He was Mason.”
Mason Rudolph wins tonight's QB battle. 😤 https://t.co/bOLBega1UJ
Mason Rudolph with the game ball #Steelers https://t.co/ESspoqO1q2
Encouraging and desperately needed win for the #Steelers tonight. Mason Rudolph was sublime. Pickens showed his potential. D came up big. Now 4-1 in AFC North with a path to the playoffs if they win @SEA and @CIN. Credit to Tomlin for having them ready to play. #HereWeGo