The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Seattle Seahawks in a big way last Sunday in Week 17, and as if the 30-23 final score wasn’t enough to show dominance, the advanced analytics certainly echo that sentiment. Following the game Zebra Technologies, who officially works with the NFL to provide all their advanced analytics and Next Generation (Gen) Stats, provided some detailed statistics for the Steelers offense and defense after the game.

So what did the advanced analytics show which might not have been obvious for the casual observer? What better place to start than with the quarterback position…

Mason Rudolph

Mason Rudolph completed all 9 passes targeting out breaking routes for 149 yards in Week 17. Rudolph completed +17.2% of his passes over expected (3rd highest in Week 17) and now holds the 2 highest CPOE marks by a Steelers QB in a game this season (Week 16: +9.7% CPOE). Rudolph has added a deep passing game element to the Steelers’ offense that was not present while Kenny Pickett was under center. Rudolph averaged 8.1 air yards/completion and 8 air yards/attempt in Week 17 against the Seahawks, using his athletic play makers at wide receiver to make plays downfield (Pickett’s season averages are 4.9 air yards/completion & 7.1 air yards/attempt).

Rudolph didn’t just win the game, he proved worthy of starting a must-win game in Baltimore Saturday. It isn’t just Rudolph’s ability to read defenses, but more his willingness to stand in the pocket and deliver passes downfield. Rudolph isn’t like Mitch Trubisky or Kenny Pickett, and that seems to be working just fine. The question now is can he keep it up?

Running Game

Najee Harris produced season highs in carries (27), rushing yards (122), touchdowns (2) and RYOE (+41) against the Seahawks. His +41 RYOE was 2nd highest for the week as he faced a stacked box on 44.44% of his attempts (tied 3rd highest). Harris gained 118 of his rushing yards after contact, the 2nd most in a game in his career. His teammate Jaylen Warren also had a big day, gaining 75 yards on 13 carries (+39 ROYE, 3rd highest).

The Steelers didn’t require Rudolph to win them the game, instead they leaned on their running game. The Steelers ran the ball when everyone on the field, in the stands, and watching at home knew they were going to run the ball. It was a thing of beauty.

George Pickens

George Pickens racked up 131 receiving yards on Sunday has he caught 7 of 9 targets. Pickens averaged just 1.9 yards of separation on his targets and, in fact, was 1 of 2 receivers (out of 24) to gain 100+ yards with an avg. separation under 2.5 yards (the other was Darius Slayton – 106 yards on 1.8 avg. separation). Pickens finished the day with a 66.68% share of the Steelers air yards, highest among all receivers for their respective teams in Week 17. Of receivers to have hit the 1,000-yard receiving mark this year, Pickens has the fewest receptions (63), highlighting both his explosive ability.

Pickens continues to have strong outings with Rudolph at quarterback. Is it all the quarterback? Is it the offensive scheme starting to find their groove? Whatever it is, the Steelers would be smart to ride the bull until it bucks you.

Joey Porter Jr.

Joey Porter Jr. aligned across from DK Metcalf on 26 of 32 routes (81.3%), his 6th shadow coverage game since Week 7 (tied most in NFL). Metcalf caught 3 of 6 targets for 86 yards, the 1st WR to gain over 40 yards vs Porter in coverage this season.

Joey Porter Jr. is used to getting the best of his competition, but when he went against DK Metcalf he went up against someone who is literally built different. Metcalf looks like a linebacker, and physically dominated the rookie cornerback at times. Nonetheless, Porter never backed down, and was willing to square up against Metcalf every chance he could when the Steelers ran their man-coverage schemes.

Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they prepare for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18.