In recent years, Steelers Nation has grown accustomed to seeing the defense keep the team’s plodding offense within striking distance in close games. But on New Year’s Eve in Seattle, it was the Steelers offense that delivered the goods for the second consecutive week. Mason Rudolph and company compiled 468 total yards with a balanced attack that generated 266 passing yards and 202 rushing yards.

Leading the offense with a level of comfort and confidence which few imagined he possessed prior to last week’s breakout performance at Acrisure Stadium, Rudolph demonstrated his firm grasp of the team’s offensive scheme, as well as the ability to play patient, error-free football. Completing 75% of his passes for 274 yards, Rudolph notched an impressive 112.2 passer rating while avoiding turnovers.

The Steelers OL protected Rudolph quite well, allowing only a single sack. They also created running lanes enabling Najee Harris to rush for 122 yards (4.5-yd. average) and Jaylen Warren to notch an additional 75 rushing yards (5.8-yard average).

George Pickens had a monster game, catching seven passes for 131 yds. (18.7-yard average). Diontae Johnson notched 76 yards on four catches for a 19-yard average. Jaylen Warren added 23 receiving yards, giving him 98 total yards in the game. Whether running or catching the ball, Warren averaged 5.8 yards per play overall, showcasing the tough, elusive running which confirms the kind of offensive weapon he has become.

The Steelers offense totally dominated time of possession by the gaudy margin of an entire quarter (15:06). Rudoph and company converted 6-of-13 third down situations and 2-of-3 fourth down attempts.

Defensively, the Steelers left much to be desired, continuing their tendency to frequently grant receivers open reign. The Steelers pass rush was largely unable to pressure Geno Smith, who utilized his mobility to buy time in the pocket and pass for 290 yards. Smith was taken down only once on a pivotal strip-sack by Nick Herbig midway through the final quarter. Seattle compiled 369 yards of total offense but, in the end, this wasn’t enough to keep pace with the reborn Steelers offense.

Despite the defense’s overall struggles, three names that stood out are Eric Rowe, Myles Jack and Nick Herbig. Rowe led all Steelers defenders in tackles with 10, including 9 solo tackles. Jack added 8 tackles including 7 solo takedowns.

As in the Steelers’ home win over Cincinnati the previous weekend, this victory came down to solid quarterbacking plus great individual efforts by marquee offensive players including Harris, Warren, Pickens and Johnson. Also, for the second consecutive week, there was no doubt that the addition of Mason Rudolph was the catalyst for victory.

For Steelers Nation, this gritty win on the west coast in a hostile environment symbolized something more significant than where the team finds itself after the regular season concludes next weekend. This victory offers further evidence that the dark days of tedious offense in Pittsburgh might finally be numbered.

While Rudolph certainly earned the right to finish out the regular season, the offense’s overall performance during the past two games suggests the Steelers are going to be a better team in 2024, regardless of whether Rudolph or Kenny Pickett is taking the snaps. At long last, Steelers Nation is witnessing the emergence of what looks like a complete team that can play together during four quarters of football.

Despite the rash of injuries depleting the middle of their defense, fans recognize this as a temporary issue which will be overcome. Similarly, it seems evident that Rudolph’s already strong performance will only improve as he becomes more attuned to his receivers and opposing defenses.
As the 2023 regular season draws to a close, the NFL’s greatest fan community has received a welcome, double preview of this team’s potential given the boost from quarterbacking and overall coordination of the offense. As the new year begins, and regardless of whether the team qualifies for the playoffs, suddenly the missing flavor of Steelers football has returned, leaving fans hungry for more.