The Pittsburgh Steelers were back on the field Saturday for the fifteenth game of the 2023 regular season when they played the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 of regular season action. The Steelers were winners in the contest, but that doesn’t mean every player had a good or bad performance.

Players who play well can be considered ‘Winners’, while those who left a lot to be desired can be called ‘Losers’. It may sound harsh, but it is the crux of this exercise.

Let’s check in to see who fell on which side of the ledger after the latest game…

Winners

Mason Rudolph
Stat Line: 17/27, 290 yards, 10.7 ave., 2 TD, 0 INT, 1-sack-for-6, 124.0 Rating

There is something about a redemption story. A story where someone is left for dead, and yet they are able to rise from the proverbial ashes and make something out of nothing. That’s exactly what happened with Mason Rudolph, and for at least one night he owned it. He owned the night. Whether this play can continues is irrelevant because right now he absolutely gets to enjoy his great performance. I’ll say he never got a fair shake after the 2019 season, and has always had potential. We’ll see what the Steelers do next week, but for today it’s all about Rudolph.

George Pickens
Stat Line: 4 catches, 195 yards, 48.8 ave., 2 TD, 86 yard long, 6 targets

Some are saying Pickens “answered the call” after all the turmoil experienced last week. However, anyone can smile when things are going your way. What will he do when things don’t go his way? That will be the true test for Pickens, but the guy balled out vs. Cincinnati. He is absolutely a monster when used properly, and he proved that Saturday at Acrisure Stadium.

Takeaways
Stat Line: 3 takeaways

The Bengals were tied with the NFL lead for protecting the football coming into Week 16, and the Steelers getting three interceptions was the turning point in the game. Jake Browning came down to earth, but the Steelers confused him with their zone concepts when they were expecting man coverage. Kudos to everyone involved, including the coaching staff.

POT (Points Off Turnovers)
Stat Line: 20 points

The Steelers were credited with three turnovers (3 INTs), but I also include the two turnover on downs as turnovers. From those turnovers, the Steelers put up 20 points off those turnovers. That’s the kind of POT I’m here for, and the Steelers will need that type of performance if they want to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.

Pass Rush/OLBs
Stat Line: 3 sacks, 8 QB Hits, INT

The Steelers were harassing Browning every drop back, and the outside linebackers were tasked with covering more zones than they had all season. Watt had a sack, Highsmith had a sack and an interception and the defense had 8 quarterback hits on the game. It is what equated in the 3 turnovers which were vital in the victory.

3rd Down Offense
Stat Line: 7-for-14

It’s been a while since the 3rd down offense has been on the Winners list, but they hit the .500 mark. Not having a three-and-out until the second half is also great.

Red-Zone Defense
Stat Line: 0-for-3 (CIN)

Bend, don’t break to the max! Not giving up a touchdown with three trips to the red-zone is the epitome of tightening things up when it matters most. Jake Browning had some really bad throws in this game, so who knows what better quarterback play would have done in the red-zone but the defense got the job done against a team who wasn’t turning it over much at all heading into Week 16.

Reserves
Stat Line: Myles Jack and Erik Rowe making plays

The Steelers are keeping their defense together with sticks and some glue, but these players who are reserves are making plays. Being thrust into the lineup, Erik Rowe had an interception, Myles Jack with a sack and a near interception, and Patrick Peterson playing safety also had an interception. It might only last one week, but it worked vs. Cincinnati.

Steelers Rushing
Stat Line: 30 carries, 113 yards, 3.8 ave., 2 TD, 13 long

It was really nice seeing the Steelers run out the clock when it mattered most. Did they average a ridiculous clip? No, but they ran it well enough they didn’t afford the Bengals enough time to even consider a comeback in this game. Najee Harris had the majority of the carries, and while I was hoping to see more Jaylen Warren, I’ll take an effective running game no matter how it happens.

Fans
Stat Line: Finally an enjoyable game

The Steelers 2023 season has been pretty boring. There have been flashes of good play, but nothing which would even be consistent for an entire game. This was the first game where the Steelers didn’t just move the ball, but put up points. In other words, it was actually enjoyable to watch. For once Steelers fans got to see a competent, and big play, offense. It’s been a while, but we’re all winners after Week 16.

Losers 

Pressley Harvin III
Stat Line: 38.8 average

Pressley Harvin usually punts well in Pittsburgh, but his inconsistency has now reached Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers offense had a lot of field-flipping drives, and that’s when you want your punter pinning the opponent in their own zone. He just isn’t getting the job done. I will say kudos to Harvin for a tremendous hold on Chris Boswell’s 50-yard field goal

Mason Cole
Stat Line: More and more bad snaps

Mason Cole continues to have a poor season, if anything just for the fact he struggles getting consistent and accurate snaps to the quarterbacks. Mason Rudolph had several snaps go towards his shoe laces, and this isn’t a new trend. Needless to say, I think center sky rockets up the team needs list this offseason.

If you want a more detailed look at the above list, check out my “Let’s Ride” podcast in the player below where I outline each Winner and Loser, and MORE!