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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

Steelers vs Seahawks: Takeaways from the thrilling win

The Pittsburgh Steelers had to win on Sunday and they did just that. Their 30-23 thriller against the Seattle Seahawks put Pittsburgh in a position to make the playoffs if things work out in Week 18. Here are our big takeaways from the win.

The power of the run game

Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh once again leaned on the run game and it paid off. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren combined for 197 rushing yards and three rushing scores against Seattle and completely dictated the tempo of the game.

Mason Rudolph is the best QB on the roster

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers leaves the field after beating the Seattle Seahawks 30-23 at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Conor Courtney/Getty Images)

The last two weeks have proven that Mason Rudolph is the top quarterback on this team. Has this been the case all season? It’s hard to say but you have to assume he’s been better than Mitch Trubisky all season. Rudolph was masterful again on Sunday and shows a level of poise and understanding on the offense we haven’t seen from Pickett or Trubisky this season.

Officials wrecking T.J. Watt

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Conor Courtney/Getty Images)

I’m sure the Seahawks right tackle is a nice person. But it’s tough to sit and watch him false start snap after snap to try and get a leg up on T.J. Watt and the officials not call it.

Offensive line in total control

Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) carries the ball against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Mike Tomlin challenged the offensive line this week and they answered. Despite center Mason Cole’s inability to properly snap the ball in shotgun, the offensive line was tremendous. The run game was dominant with huge holes for the backs to run through and we include the tight ends in this as they did a great job as well.

Defense is barely holding it together

 

Sunda

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 31: Joey Porter Jr. #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends a pass intended for DK Metcalf #14 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on December 31, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jane Gershovich/Getty Images)

y was the worst we saw the secondary play thanks to the rash of injuries and lack of depth. Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was solid but if you include the inside linebackers in this mix, you just have to wonder how much thinner this group can be stretched in terms of depth and talent.

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