The Pittsburgh Steelers were able to get a win on Sunday as the team took down the Cincinnati Bengals for a very important win within the division. The group is now able to hang onto the lead in the AFC North for a little longer, but the division is likely to come down to the wire in 2025. Earning the crown could be Pittsburgh's only way to clinch a playoff birth, which makes these games extra important moving forward. The defensive performance was stellar in the game, and the offense got the job done, and took care of the football.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a loss on the road to the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2025 season.
The Steelers faced a ton of adversity during their matchup with Cincinnati. Star safety Jalen Ramsey was ejected in the second half, and both Aaron Rodgers and Jaylen Warren exited the game due to injuries. Rodgers went suffered an injury to his non-throwing hand at the end of the first half, and Mason Rudolph started the second half and played the rest of the game.
Rodgers never returned to the sideline, and he is expected to undergo further testing on Monday. Rudolph spoke to the media after the game, and he shared a ton of praise, especially for his offensive line as he was barely touched while he was on the field.
"I mean, two defensive touchdowns right when we needed them the most was huge." Rudolph said. "We ran the ball really well. I barely got touched. So offensive line, hats off to them. It was a lot of fun."
There was a stark difference between Rodgers playing behind Pittsburgh's offensive line and when Rudolph entered the game. Rodgers was only sacked once, but he seemed to be under constant pressure throughout his time in the game. The veteran was also hit a decent amount after throwing the ball, which is what happened when he got hurt towards the end of the first half.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' QBs Aaron Rodgers (left) and Mason Rudolph (right) at 2025 mandatory mini camp in June 2025.
It is hard to decipher what exactly the difference was once Rudolph entered the game, but the offensive line improved dramatically. Rudolph mentioned during his press conference that the offense was catered towards what he was comfortable with, and that could have played a part in why things seemed so smooth for the backup quarterback.
He also seemed to be more decisive when it came to getting the ball out of his hands. It is unclear if Rodgers might miss some time, but the offense should be in good hands with Rudolph under center. Rudolph spoke more about the time he had behind the line.
"Protection was incredible all night." Rudolph said. "I didn't get touched, didn't get sacked. So, it was great."
Rudolph was extremely comfortable entering the game for the Steelers, and things went smoothly for the most part. The offense scored on both possessions that he was in the game while also chewing up a significant amount of clock, which is an important factor when it comes to winning a game.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers' Rudolph Has Filled In Nicely Before
Rudolph has had some rough times in Pittsburgh, but he was a major reason the team was able to clinch a playoff spot during the 2023 season. He replaced an injured Kenny Pickett at the end of the year and went on a winning streak while playing the best football of his career. He brought Pittsburgh to the postseason where the team lost in the Wild Card Round, but he won over the fan base with his performance down the stretch.
He spent the 2024 season with the Tennessee Titans, but he decided to return home to Pittsburgh in 2025. He should be ready to go if he is needed over the next couple of weeks, and the fan base should feel confident in him being on the field.
What did you think of the offensive line throughout Sunday's matchup? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
