The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent much of this year looking lost offensively. Quarterback Kenny Pickett has been largely pedestrian: just six touchdowns against four interceptions in 12 games.
It was time for a change. The Steelers inserted quarterback Mason Rudolph into the starting lineup for their game against the Cincinnati Bengals Saturday two days before Christmas.
You can guess how that turned out.
The Oklahoma State product absolutely shredded the Bengals in the first half, completing 12 of his 19 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. Jerking awake seemingly overnight, Pittsburgh's offense rolled up 263 yards in 30 minutes en route to a 24-0 lead.
Football fans and observers responded to these events in the most predictable way possible: by making Christmas joke, after Christmas joke, after Christmas joke.
Mason Rudolph having the best game of his life right before Christmas is a little...on the nose
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) December 23, 2023
Steelers fans wondered if coach Mike Tomlin had received some seasonal inspiration.
Mike Tomlin realizing Santa was right Rudolph needs to play in the games. 😭 pic.twitter.com/9NXwPRWAKu
— LA (@Le7end__) December 23, 2023
Some got creative, alluding to other reindeer in Santa's fleet.
Our lawyers just told us we’re legally obligated to post a #Rudolph saving Christmas joke but we’d rather see Watt #Blitzen.#herewego
— Primanti Bros (@primantibros) December 23, 2023
A few agitated for a rule change, believing trotting out Rudolph on Christmas constituted an unfair advantage.
Rudolph playing games Christmas weekend shouldn’t be allowed
— Football (@BostonConnr) December 23, 2023
Steelers might win by 50
It wasn't just online comedians getting in on the act.
Acrisure Stadium fans are chanting “Let’s Go Rudolph” on December 23 and it’s NOT for the reindeer pic.twitter.com/cepQntGzeE
— Emily Giangreco (@EmilyGiangreco) December 23, 2023
A quarterback named Rudolph starting on Christmas Eve Eve?
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 23, 2023
Steelers fans understood the assignment. pic.twitter.com/DNG1J3AUW2
All in all, Rudolph made some fans' hearts grow several sizes...
Mason Rudolph single-handedly made me believe in the magic of Christmas again #HereWeGo
— alyssa (@lyssax_) December 23, 2023
...while bringing out the Grinch-like side of others.
The worst part of this Steelers domination is all the Rudolph jokes we’re about to endure on this app.
— Cousin Sal (@TheCousinSal) December 23, 2023
