Christmas came early for the Pittsburgh Steelers. On Saturday Pittsburgh took the Cincinnati Bengals to task and handed them a huge loss thanks to the play of guys like Mason Rudolph, George Pickens and T.J. Watt. Sticking with the Christmas theme for this week’s studs and duds, let’s look at who is getting presents and who is getting a big fat lump of coal.
Stud - QB Mason Rudolph
Rudolph saved Christmas in Pittsburgh with a huge game. Rudolph threw for 290 passing yards and two deep touchdowns to George Pickens. His confidence was infectious and he kept the offense up and in the game.
Dud - TE Pat Freiermuth
Tight end Pat Freiermuth must be on the naughty list because he didn’t see a single target in the game. Same for Connor Heyward. The only tight end with a catch was Darnell Washington with a single reception on one target.
Stud - WR George Pickens
George Pickens’ talent was never in question. It was ways about effort and attitude. It was great to see Pickens play with high effort and a good attitude on Saturday which helped translate to a huge performance.
Dud - WR Diontae Johnson
Pickens stole the show and Diontae Johnson faded into the background with only two receptions for 15 yards. The Steelers didn’t need him this week but Johnson was a non-factor.
Stud - RB Najee Harris
Playing with a lead can be tough for a team but thanks to a very physical game from Najee Harris, Pittsburgh kept the Bengals offense off the field. Harris finished with 78 yards on 19 carries and had a rushing touchdown.
Stud - EDGE T.J. Watt
If the officials had called every false start and every hold on the Bengals right tackle, the game would have taken 7 hours. Watt dominated off the edge and maintained his NFL sack lead.
Stud - Steelers secondary
Let’s put this patchwork group together and talk about how they played great. Patrick Peterson in his first start at safety and Eric Rowe in the other starting spot straight from the practice squad each had an interception. Rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. shut down Tee Higgins every time he had him in man coverage and continues to be one of the best rookies on defense in the NFL.
