Rudolph Shows Progression in Week 17 Loss

By: Jonathan Clark

Steelernation.com

A positive note that we can take following Sunday's loss to the Cleveland Browns is how our offense played, minus our future Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger. While this may not be something Pittsburgh and their fans have to be concerned about, at least for the time being, it is refreshing to see progression -- especially after seeing how bad last season's offensive production was.

The way the 2020 NFL season has gone has been a complete 180 compared to how last season turned out for us. This year, we clinched a playoff berth with several weeks still remaining in the regular season, which was opposite to last year when we were fighting for a playoff spot until the very end. Obviously, much of this is due to the fact that we have Big Ben back under center, as we can tell, this Steelers offensive production has risen dramatically in just under a year, and Ben just being out there clearly gives this offense some confidence. 

That being said, the offensive production we have had this year, minus a few hiccups, (with much help from our top ranked defense), has led to the Pittsburgh Steelers hosting the Cleveland Browns once again at Heinz Field on Sunday Night Football, in a playoff game in pursuit of another Lombardi Trophy. They have put themselves in the position to compete for another championship. Exactly what Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin preaches week in and week out. 

Because of this, the Steelers were able to give some much needed rest to some starters after a 2020 season that has forced the Steelers to play 13 straight weeks. One of the players was Big Ben, giving us fans and the coaching staff a look at young QB Mason Rudolph as he got the start against the Browns on Sunday.

With much on his mind leading up to game day, I have to say that Rudolph showed a lot of progression in just one game from the product he gave us on the field last season. Rudolph looked much more like he did in his first couple of starts last year. He looked comfortable in the pocket, showed his deep ball arm strength that was coveted out of college and he showed that he can be accurate in his mid range passing game. He went 22/39 passing with 315 yards and 2 touchdowns. Already making a statement by throwing for the most yards he has in his career. I wouldn’t say he was perfect, but I think he did well enough to put a lot of Steeler fans at ease. 

There’s been a lack of confidence in Rudolph’s ability over his performance last season, and rightfully so. But, while I do know that I shouldn’t be so quick to judge after just one game against a playoff-caliber defense, he did connect with JuJu Smith-Schuster on a couple of crossing routes and a touchdown, Diontae Johnson had 96 receiving yards, and Rudolph showed the most confidence in rookie WR Chase Claypool targeting him 11 times for 5 catches, 101 yards and a touchdown. Rudolph also went Claypool's direction on some key plays including a 4th & 10 touchdown pass on a fade route.

See a nice throw to Diontae Johnson below!

I know it was just one game, but it was good to see Mason Rudolph show some confidence and show chemistry with his receivers. He looked like a completely different QB out there on Sunday than he did all of the 2019 season, and the same can be said for the offense when he was under center. If anything at all, it gave Steeler fans a little bit of confidence that we have a solid backup QB for our future HOF’er.

How would you rate Rudolph's performance? Let us know in the comment section below!

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