Studs and duds from the Steelers blowout win over the Bengals

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

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph (2) passes against pressure from Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle BJ Hill (92) during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens outpaces the Cincinnati Bengals defense for an 86 yard touchdown in the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

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

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

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

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 23: Najee Harris #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball before being tackled by DJ Turner II #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals and Dax Hill #23 during the fourth quarter of a game at Acrisure Stadium on December 23, 2023 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

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

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) forces Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Jake Browning (6) to fumble as he tallies a sack in the second quarter of the NFL 16 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. The Steelers led 24-0 at halftime.

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

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Eric Rowe (25) intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) in the second quarter of the NFL 16 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. The Steelers led 24-0 at halftime.

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.