Steelers vs. Bengals score: Mason Rudolph saves Christmas in Pittsburgh, throws two TD's in blowout win

Ruldolph led a Steelers offense that had its best game of the season

Mason Rudolph helped save Christmas -- and maybe the Steelers' 2023 season -- after he helped lead Pittsburgh to a 34-11 win over the visiting Cincinnati Bengals. Pittsburgh's backup quarterback threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns as the Steelers snapped a three-game losing streak. 

Rudolph, who started his first game in 769 days, led the Steelers to touchdowns on three of their first four drives, starting with his 86-yard touchdown pass to George Pickens on Pittsburgh's second play from scrimmage. Touchdown runs by wideout Calvin Austin III and running back Najee Harris extended the Steelers' lead. 

Pittsburgh's last two touchdowns of the half were set up from takeaways by the Steelers' defense. Patrick Peterson's end zone pick helped set up Pittsburgh's second scoring drive. They then parlayed Eric Rowe's pick of Jake Browning midway through the second quarter into Harris' fifth touchdown run of the season. 

Down 24-0 at halftime, the Bengals briefly made things interesting on Browning's 80-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins early in the second half. But Pittsburgh quickly countered when Rudolph hit Pickens on a back-breaking, 66-yard touchdown that essentially ended the game. 

Here's a bigger breakdown at what happened in Pittsburgh. 

Why the Steelers won 

Pittsburgh dominated in all three facets. It started, though, with Rudolph, who on Saturday night became the first Steelers quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger to throw for at least 250 yards and two touchdowns in a game. Rudolph took chances early and often, which was one of the reasons for his and the offense's success. An example occurred late in the first half. Instead of sitting on a 21-0 lead, Rudolph hit Pickens deep for 44 yards that set up a field goal, increasing Pittsburgh's lead at intermission. 

It was also a great night for Pickens, who went over 1,000 yards for the season after catching four passes for 195 yards. Pickens feasted off of one-on-one coverage all night. 

Pittsburgh's offense parlayed its defense's three turnovers into 17 points. Speaking of the Steelers' defense, the unit confused Browning by playing zone coverage instead of their usual man. The Steelers' defense received solid efforts from linebackers (Rowe and inside linebacker Myles Jack) and from their stars in Peterson and outside linebackers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. Watt picked up his league-leading 17th sack, while Highsmith had a sack and a pick that set up the game's final points on a Chris Boswell field goal. 

Why the Bengals lost 

Cincinnati's offense sorely missed Ja'Marr Chase, who was out with a shoulder injury. While Higgins (five catches for 140) stepped up, it was clear that Chase's absence made things significantly tougher for Browning. 

Not helping matters was the fact that Browning faced consistent pressure and was not helped by a running game that gained just 59 yards. Browning didn't help his cause, though, throwing several ill advised passes that included Peterson's end zone pick. 

Peterson's pick exemplified the Bengals' struggles in the red zone. Cincinnati was 0 of 3 in the red zone, while Pittsburgh was 2 of 3. 

Turning point 

The Bengals appeared poised to respond to Pickens' early score with their own scoring drive. But the Bengals came up empty when Peterson picked off Browning in the end zone on a third-and-9 play. The Steelers then took a commanding 14-0 lead after Austin's touchdown run capped off a 10-play, 80-yard drive.  

Play of the game 

Pickens' touchdown was a thing of beauty. On the play, Rudolph threaded the needle to Pickens, who caught the ball in stride before breaking a tackle and outrunning the rest of Cincinnati's defense to pay dirt. 

We'd be remiss not to highlight Jaylen Warren's crushing block on Austin's touchdown run. 

Quotable 

"It was awesome, but I'm not surprised. I've told people that before. He's put in so much work and he hasn't gotten the opportunities. He could have complained, but he's owned up to scout team, he gave us great looks over the last couple of years. You just knew when he got his opportunity he was going to seize it. 

"That's why I'm not surprise and was super happy. Obviously there were some guys that helped him out with the performance, but he did a great job himself. Very excited and very happy for him." -- Watt on Rudolph, via 93.7 The Fan 

What's next 

The Steelers head to Seattle to face a 7-7 Seahawks team that is also fighting for their playoff games. Seattle is coming off a big Monday night win over the Eagles. 

Cincinnati heads to Kansas City for a rematch of the last two AFC title games. While the offense hasn't been as good as they usually are, the Chiefs' defense is having a stellar year that includes being third in the NFL in points allowed. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 7:27 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers complete their season sweep of the Bengals and stay alive in the AFC playoff race with a 34-11 win. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 7:16 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Bengals keep fighting as Browning hits Irwin. Watt went back in pass coverage, which helped give Browning some extra time. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 7:14 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers turn the pick into three points, extending their lead to 34-11. 

If they win, the Steelers will move ahead of Cincinnati in the AFC standings. Bengals came into the game as the AFC's sixth seed, and Pittsburgh was sitting in the 10 spot. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 7:04 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Highsmith picks off Browning, his third pick of the game. About as complete of a game as the Steelers have had in years. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:48 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Third quarter ends with Mixon catching a short pass on third and long. Going to be interesting to see if Bengals go for it or take the three points. 

Steelers lead 31-8 heading into the fourth. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:45 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Higgins with another unreal grab on the near sideline to give the Bengals a first down in the red zone. Bengals are 0-2 so far in the red zone today. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:42 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Interesting, the call is reversed. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:40 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Nice catch from the rookie Iosivas as the Bengals have the ball deep in Steelers territory. But Mike Tomlin throws the challenge flag. Looks like he did. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:30 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Great effort by Pickens, but he caught the ball out of the Browns, as the Bengals turn it over on downs for a second time tonight. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:28 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Browning takes a check down on third down, but Bengals are going for it. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:26 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Browning finding his rhythm, but might be too little too late. He's specifically got in rhythm with Higgins, who just made a nice grab to give the Bengals a first down near midfield. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:21 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Wow, Steelers go deep on third and short and Rudolph hits Pickens for another TD. A 66-yard strike. 

Pickens nearly 200 receiving yards. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:19 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

The Bengals have life. Tee Higgins takes a slant pass and goes 80 yards for a score. Browning then flips a two-point conversion pass to Mixon, making it a two possession game. 

That's the longest catch of Higgins' four-year career. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 6:07 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers get the ball to start the second half. Rain is falling pretty heavily. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:57 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Halftime Stats

Steelers 24, Bengals 0 

First downs: Steelers 12-8
Third down: Bengals 3-7, Steelers 4-6
Total yards: Steelers 263-153
Red zone: Steelers 2-2, Bengals 0-2
Top: Bengals 17:27

Rudolph: 12-19, 193 yards
Harris: 8 carries, 47 yards
Pickens: 3 catches, 129 yards 
Bengals: 15 yards on 8 carries 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:47 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Rudolph hits Pickens deep downfield to give the Steelers the ball in FG range. But the officials are reviewing the play. 

Looks like a catch. Pickens made an unreal play and was able to keep both feet in bounds. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:41 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Really, Bengals offensive issues starts with them not getting anything going on the ground. That's allowed the Steelers' to pin their ears back and pressure Browning, who has not been at his best so far. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:40 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Joey Porter Jr. breaks up Browning's pass to Tee Higgins on fourth and goal. Bengals are now 0-2 in the red zone. 

Surprised Bengals just didn't take the points there. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:28 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Elandon Roberts doubtful to return with pec injury. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:26 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Harris scores, and the Steelers extend their lead to 21-0. First time the Steelers have scored over 20 points in a game since Week 10 against the Packers. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:25 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Bengals first round pick Myles Murphy in the game for Hendrickson, who is in the blue tent. 

Meanwhile, Rudolph takes a shot but runs for a first down. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:23 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers get second pick off Browning, who is having a nightmarish start. 

Eric Rowe, fresh off the practice squad, makes the pick. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:19 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Elandon Roberts getting medical treatment. His loss would be big as the Steelers are extremely thin at ILB. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:18 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers squander a chance to add to their lead, but a good PBU by Mike Hilton and a botched offensive play on third down leads to a punt. 

Pittsburgh is winning the field position game. Pressley Harvin III's punt downed inside the 10. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:12 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Watt gets his league-high 17th sack of the season to force a Bengals punt. Honestly can't believe how conservative the Bengals' offense has been so far. Haven't really taking many downfield shots and have given up on running the ball. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:05 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Calvin Austin III (the Steelers' fastest player) takes it home as the Steelers extend their lead to 14-0. Excellent blocking on the outside by Jaylen Warren. 

You couldn't have asked for a better start for the Steelers. Two drives, two touchdowns for Steelers offense. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 5:01 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers threatening to add to their 7-0 with the second quarter upcoming. 

Rudolph 4 of 4 for 130 yards in the opening quarter. Steelers have 36 rushing yards so far compared to the Bengals' 6 yards. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 4:58 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Rudolph hits Warren for a first down. He's three of three so far. A big key to his success so far has been manageable passing situations. Pittsburgh's running game has done enough so far to help open things up for Rudolph. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 4:53 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Bad start for Browning. Should have thrown it away but instead lobs a pass in the end zone to safety Patrick Peterson. 

Browning's slow start isn't all his fault, though. Bengals O-line has struggled and they haven't been able to get their running game off the ground. 

[Dec 23, 2023 at 4:48 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

A wild completion to Iosivas, who caught the ball after Browning took a shot.