Maybe the NFL really is scripted. How else can you explain Mason Rudolph being resurrected from the Steelers inactive list all season, only to save Christmas for Steelers Nation? You really can’t write this stuff, folks. If you would have even suggested the possibility prior to the season, I would have called you crazy. You had to see it to believe it. Thankfully we all got to witness the Steelers latest Christmas miracle.

However, Rudolph’s professional performance has resulted in even more ammunition for the Steelers massive fanbase to argue over. I refuse to partake in the Pickett arguments, because I really don’t care who the starting QB is for the Steelers. I only want to see the Steelers franchise flourishing, and showcasing sustainable improvement under improved leadership on both sides of the ball. Notice I didn’t mention winning, because I will gladly accept a losing season if the Steelers make substantial strides towards becoming a contending franchise again in the near future.

Honestly, when is the last time any of us could actually say that? Even during the Killer B’s era, there was always the dark reality of a not championship caliber defense holding the franchise back. I would have to say between 2005 to 2010 was the last time I felt the Steelers possessed a well balanced championship caliber roster. So it’s been over a decade already, with no end to the mediocrity in sight. That’s why realistic expectations for the franchise is so important moving forward this offseason.

Many fans have been confused by Rudolph’s success against the Bengals. They mistakenly believe that the QB made all the difference for the offensive breakout performance. Some have even suggested that Matt Canada has somehow been vindicated. The very suggestion is utter nonsense. The Steelers offense needs to be totally revamped this offseason; which includes everything from the scheme, coaches, and players. We already know there is going to be a new OC, hopefully new OL and WR coaches, and an inevitable but needed QB competition. The Steelers have plenty of questions moving forward, but the ineptitude of Canada’s playbook was never one of them.

For now, the Steelers must make due with the scheme and personnel available, because the Steelers must win their remaining two games to have any shot at making the playoffs. That makes Mason Rudolph the best option to maximize the Steelers biggest and best offensive weapons, especially George Pickens. The opportunities for explosive plays are few and far between for this Steelers offense, and the Steelers must capitalize when they present themselves. That’s precisely why Rudolph’s Revival Tour continues this Sunday in Seattle. It’s must see TV.

Now it’s time for some more of my random thoughts and observations about the Steelers:

• Mason Rudolph really was locked in on Saturday against the shell-shocked Bengals, especially his renowned deep ball. Rudolph completed the longest throw for the Steelers since 2017, meaning total air yards, on his 44 yard heel tap completion to George Pickens. The throw itself covered 55 total air yards, making it the longest throw since Big Ben Roethlisberger was launching rockets for the Black and Gold. Rudolph’s tremendous throw sure brought back plenty of great memories for yours truly.
• George Pickens must have thought he had died and gone to Heaven, with all the man coverage that the Bengals threw at him. The Bengals defensive insanity, combined with Mason Rudolph’s elite level deep ball accuracy, created more splash play opportunities than Pickens has enjoyed all season. To his credit, Pickens capitalized on every one of them, producing the most dominant stat line for a Steelers receiver since Antonio Brown. I expect Pickens will see precious few single coverage opportunities moving forward, because his breakout performance has made him focal point #1 for any competent Defensive Coordinator. How the young man handles all the extra attention will speak volumes about his still developing maturity. Either way, never a dull moment with this kid.
• The Steelers will be facing two of their former first round selections in Artie Burns and Devin Bush on Sunday. The two have been little more than depth pieces for the Seahawks, but they seem destined to see the field against the Steelers. Both have acknowledged their excitement over getting the opportunity to face their former employer, and I hope they do. The Steelers know their strengths and weaknesses better than anybody, and should be able to capitalize accordingly. I want to see Harris bulldozer Bush, then have Warren block him into oblivion, and then have Calvin Austin torch Burns for the perfect finale. That would be good closure to two nightmare selections.
• If I am being totally honest, which I always strive to be, I am far more concerned about this week’s matchup than I was last week. The Steelers matchup much better against the Bengals than the Seahawks. That’s true on both sides of the ball. The Seahawks offense presents numerous problems for the Steelers duct tape defense, especially their explosive passing attack. The Seahawks defense has a talented secondary more than capable of taking Pickens out of the equation. That’s why I am more than a little concerned that Rudolph won’t look very much like Christmas Rudy in this contest. Hopefully Rudolph proves me wrong, because the Steelers absolutely can’t afford to lose this game. Nobody wants to see the clock strike midnight, and Rudolph turn back into a pumpkin. Steelers Nation wants to at least be able to celebrate the New Year.
• The Steelers face an interesting situation with Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Steelers have expected Fitzpatrick to get back on the field sooner rather than later, or they would have already placed him on the IR, ending his season. Fitzpatrick has been a limited practice participant all week, which suggests he is getting closer to returning. Therein lies the rub. The Steelers absolutely must win this week, or next week is irrelevant. There is always the risk of further aggravating the injury, but even if he did, he would have the whole offseason to rehab and recover. For those reasons alone, the choice is obviously. If Minkah Fitzpatrick plans on helping the Steelers remain in the playoff race, it’s now or never.

In conclusion, I want to wish my SCN family, friends, and community a Happy New Year!