Steelers Beat Bengals, Improve to 1-3

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.

BREAKING: Pirates Fire Clint Hurdle

Pittsburgh Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

PITTSBURGH (GSM) — The Pittsburgh Pirates have relieved manager Clint Hurdle after 9-years as the skipper. The Pirates announced on their twitter page, “Words cannot express how much respect and appreciation I have for Clint as a person and a leader.”

Hurdle’s overall record with the Pirates is 735-720-1.

Roethlisberger Has ‘Successful’ Surgery

PITTSBURGH (GSM) — Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger underwent surgery on his right elbow after leaving the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 15.

Reports suggested that he didn’t need Tommy John surgery which will enable him to be fully healed by the 2020 NFL season.

The following statement was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday:

Ben Roethlisberger had successful surgery on his right elbow on Monday in Los Angeles at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed the procedure in consultation with Steelers Team Physician Jim Bradley, who began his career at the Kerlan Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic.

Once Ben returns to Pittsburgh, he immediately will begin working with the Steelers’ medical staff on his rehabilitation, and he is expected to make a full recovery and return to the field for the 2020 NFL season.

 

Injured Roethlisberger Out for the Season

Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger signals to the sideline in the game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 15, 2019. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)

PITTSBURGH (GSM) – The Pittsburgh Steelers have placed starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger on injured reserve Monday in the wake of the team’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks 28-26. Roethlisberger injured the elbow on his throwing arm (right) and didn’t receive another snap after being taken out of the game.

Mason Rudolph stepped in and threw for 112 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception in the second half.

The team released the following statement regarding Roethlisberger’s injury:

Statement by Mike Tomlin on Ben Roethlisberger

Ben Roethlisberger had an MRI on his right elbow Sunday evening and it was determined by the Steelers’ medical team that surgery will be required. We expect the surgery will be scheduled for this week. He will be placed on our Reserve/Injured List and is out for the season.

Tomlin Speaks About Development of Devin Bush, Diontae Johnson

PITTSBURGH (GSM) — The Steelers fell to the New England Patriots Sunday 33-3. However, Head Coach Mike Tomlin — in his weekly press conference — was optimistic about his team’s future.

Rookies Devin Bush (ILB, Michigan) and Diontae Johnson (WR, Toledo) both saw the field at Gillette Stadium. Tomlin said, “It was a quality start to contribute to our efforts.”

Bush racked up 11 tackles (7 solo) and Johnson had 3 catches in their NFL debut.