The Pittsburgh Steelers managed to keep their 2023 NFL Playoff hopes alive as they outlasted the Seattle Seahawks in Week 17.
The Steelers have been up and down for almost the entire 2023 NFL season, but they’ve started to hit their stride in recent weeks.
Pittsburgh’s defense has kept the team afloat, but the offense has found a rhythm and is suddenly putting up points efficiently.
The obvious explanation is Mason Rudolph who took over as the starter after Mitch Trubisky struggled in multiple losses.
Rudolph entered the season as the third-string quarterback behind Kenny Pickett and Trubisky, but now finds himself starting the most important game of Pittsburgh’s season.
Dan Orlovsky helped explain why starting Rudolph is the correct choice.
“I think it’s because, in Mike Tomlin’s words, the offense has operated more smoothly,” Orlovsky said.
The @steelers are alive and Rudolph and his play are certainly a reason why#nfllive pic.twitter.com/srTnokvq0y
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 2, 2024
Orlovsky recalls comments made by head coach Mike Tomlin who said that the offense has been flowing better under Rudolph.
Orlovsky then breaks down some alignments and playcalling that has opened up the field for players like George Pickens and Diontae Johnson.
The coaching staff must believe in Rudolph to make all of the throws in the playbook and so far he’s paying off their trust with efficient quarterbacking.
Rudolph may not be the most athletic or creative player, but he understands the system well and executes the simple play.
With a defense capable of shutting down most opponents, the Steelers just need to be competent offensively to churn out wins.
Pittsburgh is the sort of team that no one wants to play in the playoffs, but they need to win in Week 18 to even think about getting there.
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