The Pittsburgh Steelers closed out the 2023 NFL regular season with a win over the Baltimore Ravens. That makes three wins in a row and a strong finish to the season. Saturday’s game was an ugly one thanks to some awful weather but Pittsburgh found a way. Here are our big takeaways from the win.
Mason Rudolph was impressive again
Pittsburgh didn’t have the yards or points of the past two weeks but quarterback Mason Rudolph handled some horrible playing conditions like a pro. Rudolph made several huge throws in weather conditions where nothing should have worked and his 71-yard touchdown pass to Diontae Johnson was the difference in the game.
We are tired of the officials
It has gotten old complaining about the officials not calling false starts or holding on opposing offensive tackles. Outside linebacker T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith would have doubled their stats if the officials just did their jobs.
Najee Harris wasn't going down without a fight
We’ve said for much of the season that the one player who brings the energy every week is running back Najee Harris. Head coach Mike Tomlin basically handed him the game on a rainy day and he delivered with 26 carries for 112 yards.
What could have been?
Even if the Steelers don’t make the playoffs, finishing 10-7 is an impressive feat given all the problems this offense has had. Watching how well the Steelers played Saturday and the past three weeks really makes those losses to the New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals loom large.
