The Pittsburgh Steelers offense made a jaw-dropping entrance at Acrisure Stadium as Mason Rudolph's precision pass on a slant route found George Pickens, resulting in an electrifying 86-yard touchdown. This remarkable play marked a dynamic shift for the Steelers' offense, which had been grappling with a multitude of challenges in recent outings.
Associated Presss
Steelers' George Pickens turns a Mason Rudolph pass into an 86-yard touchdown pass.
While it might appear that the success of the play was solely the result of Pickens' dazzling run after the catch, Ben Roethlisberger was quick to emphasize that Rudolph deserves a significant share of the credit for how the play unfolded. Roethlisberger broke down the memorable play on his podcast Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger on Monday.
"I mean you are throwing a slant route. It’s a super easy throw, it’s a great completion. We call that a drive starter or a confidence builder. He got the look he wanted, he went to the proper side and chose the proper guy. He waited for the second window and made the great throw."
Roethlisberger's perspective sheds light on the intricacies of the game, emphasizing that while a slant route might be considered a straightforward throw, executing it in a manner that results in an 86-yard touchdown requires exceptional quarterbacking skills.
"I’m not taking anything away from it. I've benefited many times from throwing a slant for a touchdown. It’s a relatively simple throw, but he did what he was supposed to do."
Roethlisberger, who has experienced numerous successful slant route completions throughout his career as he noted, acknowledges the importance of precision in such throws. He highlights that even a slight deviation from the perfect placement of the ball could have significantly altered the outcome.
"That’s the key to it. You can say it was a simple throw, but all it takes is a little off his number or a little high or a little low or too far in front. If the ball isn’t perfect, it’s probably caught for a first down and that’s it, but because he put it right there, he didn’t have to slow down for it; he was able to just catch it in stride. He put it where he had to, to allow George to do what he could do."
Roethlisberger's analysis underscores the critical role that Rudolph played in ensuring the pass was not just a completion, but a game-changing touchdown early in that game. Rudolph's precision allowed Pickens to catch the ball in stride, maximizing his ability to exploit open field and showcase his talents in yards after the catch.
Steelers Offense Has New Life
While the nature of the throw may be deemed simple, its impact on the Steelers' offense was profound. This play's success holds particular significance, considering the team's previous struggles with executing such plays, especially early in games. The slant route, often seen as a low-risk option, proved to have immense potential when executed with precision and timing.
Footbahlin With Ben Roethlisberger
Steelers' Ben Roethlisberger on his podcast.
Additionally, involving Pickens in such a fundamental play not only moves the chains, but also keeps the dynamic wide receiver engaged and motivated. Pickens thrives in open space and can turn short passes into significant gains, making him a valuable asset for the Steelers' offense.
With the Steelers now in contention for a postseason berth, their performance in the upcoming games, including the matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, holds immense importance. Whether it's Rudolph or Kenny Pickett at quarterback, building on the offensive excellence displayed against the Cincinnati Bengals will be pivotal.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett meets with Quarterback Coach Mike Sullivan on the field during a regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023.
Rudolph's ability to execute plays like the 86-yard touchdown to Pickens demonstrates that he can be a catalyst for the Steelers' offense. The team's playoff aspirations may rely on their ability to replicate and build upon these moments of brilliance as they seek the support of other AFC teams in their quest for a postseason berth. Assuming that Pickett will be back as the starter against the Seahawks, it'll be an interesting dynamic seeing how he looks with this newfound offensive momentum.
Rudolph's role in the Steelers' explosive touchdown throw cannot be understated. While it may appear as a straightforward play, the precision, timing, and decision-making involved highlight the quarterback's expertise. With the postseason on the line, the Steelers will look to Pickett or Rudolph to continue delivering such game-changing moments to bolster their slim playoff hopes.
