Steelers Quarterback Mason Rudolph drops back to pass in a winning effort against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2019 at Heinz Field. (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)
PITTSBURGH (GSM) – The Steelers check the box in the win category!
The Cincinnati Bengals went into Heinz Field winless as were the Steelers prior to the Monday Night matchup. Both teams were 0 and 3 and in need of a victory, especially against opponents in the AFC North division. Pittsburgh, however was relentless against the Bengals sacking quarterback Andy Dalton 8 times in the game, setting a precedent early and not letting up. The final score was Pittsburgh 27 Cincinnati 3. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin after the game said, “In an effort for us to be at our best, it takes collaborative work in all three phases to produce an environment where your strengths get an opportunity to show. And it was able to show tonight.” Tomlin’s team rallied around 2nd year quarterback Mason Rudolph who was awarded the team ball.
Rudolph getting his first win as a starter didn’t disappoint in the statistical category. He completed 24 of 28 passes for 229 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. His quarterback rating was 124.6 which is the league’s 3rd highest for week 4, only behind Philip Rivers of the LA Chargers and Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota. Rudolph clearly excited about his first win as a pro but seemed to remain humble calling it a group effort. “It’s great. Unbelievable team win.” Rudolph said. “A lot of leadership in the locker room and guys that know how to win and guys who have won a lot of games in their careers. We stuck together all week even with the rough start. Our message all week was stack one and then start stacking more. That is the plan moving forward and we have a heck of a group of guys that are going to do that.”
Steelers Running Back James Conner carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)
Running back James Conner, who scored a touchdown in the game holds his teammates — especially the defense — in high regard saying, “I think our defense started it off. The defense created a turnover early and those big sacks on third down. Just playing off each other – the momentum.”
Rookie wide receiver Diontae Johnson scored his second touchdown this season and received his first win as a professional player. He caught a 43-yard strike from Rudolph in the 3rd quarter.
Diontae Johnson scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)
The Steelers have back-to-back home games and are already preparing to face another AFC North rival in the Baltimore Ravens Sunday.
