All-around effort: The Steelers kept their postseason hopes alive with a 30-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field in a game where the offense put up some big numbers.
"We were playing a team that was desperate like we were, and we didn't blink," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "I'm appreciative of that. They're to be congratulated for that.
"I thought the offensive line provided the wave that we rode. We talked all week about trying to conquer the environment and winning the line of scrimmage being a major component of it. They embraced that challenge and I thought they controlled the climate, made third downs, manageable ones, minimized possession downs, minimized the crowd component of it. Just thankful for that.
"A lot of plays made by a lot of people. But that's team football, particularly this time of year as the road gets narrow."
The offense moved the ball efficiently, putting up 468 offensive yards.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph, starting his second consecutive game, completed 18 of 24 passes for 274 yards.
"I thought he did a good job," said Tomlin.
Tomlin wouldn't tip his hand, though, as to who will start at quarterback next week against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
"We'll talk about that next week," said Tomlin. "Right now, we're just appreciative of the victory. We'll give you guys something to buzz about here for the next 24 or so."
The ground game exploded with 202 yards rushing, including Najee Harris carrying the ball 27 times for 122 yards and two touchdowns and Jaylen Warren carrying the ball 13 times for 75 yards and a touchdown.
"I thought he was determined," said Tomlin of Harris. "As was Jaylen. If you are a competitor, you are going to be your best.
"I thought we got appropriate effort from all parties involved and not to minimize it, but it was just a critical time and so if you're a competitor, you're going to be at your best."
Receiver George Pickens had another strong performance, with seven receptions for 131 yards, including another amazing catch that those who watch him have become accustomed to.
"We're used to seeing George make plays like that," said Tomlin.
Props to the offense: Cameron Heyward is accustomed to talking about the team's defensive performance after a game, but following the Steelers win over the Seahawks, he was all about giving the offense their props.
"We haven't been our best defense, but to have an offense that was going out there and giving us 30 points, that's a lot to rely on," said Heyward. "I hate to say it gives us more room for error. It's a team game and to have that complementary football where if we give up a score the offense goes down and gets another touchdown. You really do appreciate that."
Heyward has seen the work that quarterback Mason Rudolph has put in all season, even in tough circumstances when he wasn't playing, and is happy to see the veteran quarterback succeed in his opportunity. He also loved the job the offensive line did from start to finish of the game.
"Mason's a seasoned vet," said Heyward. "I know he hasn't played in a while, but he's very calm and collected. That Seattle crowd is second to none. Props to them, but to handle yourself in that environment, go out there and get a win like that, was pretty huge.
"As much as we'll talk about Mason, props to the o-line. The o-line did an amazing job today. Blocking, finishing runs. It was a complete offensive performance. You tip your hat to them."
The win put the Steelers in position to clinch a playoff berth next week, but they will need some help along the way.
Heyward is just happy the opportunity is there.
"Fighting back, nine and seven right now, a chance to qualify for the playoffs," said Heyward. "Whatever cards you're dealt, you deal with it. To have a chance this late in the season to get in the playoffs, that's all we're hoping for. We know we need help. But that help doesn't happen unless we take care of our business.
"I'm a glass half full type of guy. And we got an opportunity. And it's the guys in the locker room that got it done. Two weeks ago, you can say we were still miles away. So, we'll see what we can do. I believe in the guys in the locker room. I think we have the guys to do it. But we're not going to throw a party if we do get in the playoffs. We feel like we belong, and we just need an extra week to do it."
Showing grit: Running back Najee Harris was named the Steelers Digest Player of the Week for his performance against the Seahawks and it was well deserved.
Harris had 27 carries for 122 yards, a 4.5-yard average, and scored two touchdowns.
Harris said the overall performance of the offense, which put up 468 yards, showed the progress they have made through the season, especially with the impact interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner and quarterback coach/play caller Mike Sullivan have had on the offense, scoring 30 points for the second-straight week.
"It shows the progression we have shown, the grit that we have, the resiliency," said Harris. "It just shows a lot about the offense. Like I said earlier (this season), we had a lot of distractions this year and for Coach Sully and Coach Faulk to have a good game plan, execute it and the o-line coming through, that shows you that what type of team that we are.
"We are doing a good job of knowing what we are doing. If we just stick together like we did and really just believe and execute the game plan I think things like this will show up. Really just a good job by the o-line, the receivers, Coach Sully and Coach Faulk just doing what they have to do and establishing the run executing the game plan they provide."
Getting an opportunity: When it was time to run the ball and grind the clock and force the Seahawks to use their two remaining timeouts, the Steelers handed it to Mason Rudolph and told him to throw it.
"I was a little nervous, can't lie," Rudolph acknowledged after winning for the second time in as many starts at quarterback, this time 30-23 on New Year's Eve at Lumen Field. "I assumed that it would be in some sort of a 'zero' (coverage) or a press/one-high (safety) look and figured (wide receiver) George (Pickens) would win on a slant. He made big plays all day on third down, so did (wide receiver) Diontae (Johnson), so did a lot of guys on our squad today.
"That was a big one but yes, a bit nerve-wracking but rewarding."
The slant to Pickens on first-and-10 from the Seahawks' 44-yard line with 2:00 left in regulation went for 24 yards and a first down at the Seattle 20.
After three carries by running back Najee Harris advanced the ball to the Seahawks' 5, Rudolph took a knee.
The pass to Pickens was Rudolph's 24th attempt of the afternoon and resulted in his 18th completion. He didn't throw for a touchdown but nor was he intercepted on the way to amassing 274 passing yards.
"In that look there's probably a lot of quarterbacks that could have completed that one, no safety help, George got the separation," Rudolph continued. "But yeah, I guess I'm appreciative that I think a lot of coaches and a lot of play-callers want to be conservative there and just run it out.
"But we have a very aggressive head coach (Mike Tomlin). I think he made that call at the end of the day. It paid off."
Rudolph was also appreciative to have gotten another shot a starting after leading the Steelers to a 34-11 win over Cincinnati on Dec. 23.
Rudolph's most recent previous start prior to the Bengals game had been in November of 2021.
"What happened last year? I didn't get a start," he recalled. "There wasn't an opportunity to jump in there and I finished the year riding the old pine.
"Thankful that I got a break and got an opportunity to lead our team. It's just fun, man, playing football after not doing a whole lot of that for the last few years."
The back-to-back wins against the Seahawks and the Bengals under Rudolph's stewardship have upped the Steelers' record to 9-7 with one regular-season game remaining and have kept them alive and viable in the chase for the AFC playoffs.
"I don't know any information on scenarios or what not but we knew we gotta win," Rudolph emphasized. "We gotta win next week.
"It was just really a team win, very cliche but very true. The turnover there late in the fourth quarter (outside linebacker Nick Herbig's sack, strip and fumble recovery) to give us the ball on a short field. And then the offensive line, I don't know what we rushed for, I don't know if we broke the 200-mark (the Steelers finished with 202 yards on 46 carries) but that was incredible."
While you are here, vote for Cam: Defensive tackle Cameron Heyward is the Steelers nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. It's the sixth time Heyward has been nominated for the award.
This year, fans are once again encouraged to participate in Nationwide's annual Charity Challenge, a social media and online contest that allows fans to show support for their favorite Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee.
The WPMOY Charity Challenge runs from December 5 – January 8, and January 2 and January 3 are "Double Days" meaning each hashtag mention via X on these days will be counted twice
There are multiple ways that fans can vote for Cam to win the WPMOY Charity Challenge:
Any use of the hashtag and directions below on X (formerly Twitter) will count as votes for Heyward:
WPMOYChallenge + Cam Heyward
WPMOYChallenge + @CamHeyward
WPMOYChallenge + Heyward
Any repost on X of a post containing the above hashtag + name
New this year, fans can vote via NFL.com/ManoftheYear. Votes via this URL on the "Double Days" will also be counted twice.
The winner of the challenge will receive $35,000 for their charity.
In addition, fans can further amplify their support of Heyward by participating in an exciting campaign by Alltroo – an online fundraising platform started by former NFL tight end and 3-time Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, Kyle Rudolph. Through Alltroo, fans can support Heyward by entering an online fundraiser customized by each player for the chance to win special prizes and experiences, such as meet and greets, game tickets, sideline passes and more. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised through Alltroo's campaign will directly support the nominee's non-profit/charity of choice. For more information visit https://alltroo.com/manoftheyear/.
Bringing you the action: For fans who don't want to miss any of the action, NFL+ is here, which means you can now watch the Steelers live and on the go! Watch live local and primetime regular season games on mobile, plus NFL RedZone, NFL Network, live audio and more - all in one place. Start your free trial today here.
