The Steelers ended a three-game losing streak with a 34-11 win over the Bengals, and the connection between George Pickens and Mason Rudolph played a major part in keeping Pittsburgh in the playoff hunt. It what was a must-win game for Pittsburgh, Pickens immediately set the tone with an 86-yard touchdown on the second play of the Steelers’ opening drive. Rudolph hit Pickens with an accurate short pass on a post route before Pickens took off, leaving Bengals defenders in the dust for more than half the field.
“I was just hoping he’d give me a chance,” Pickens said after the game. “You never know where he’ll throw the ball, so I didn’t have a full idea. But anytime he throwing the ball, I’m going to try to make the best play.”
Making his first start of the season, Rudolph knew the importance of finding a groove early and was well aware of which playmakers can make that a reality. “A fast start. No matter whether you’re in high school, college or pro, it makes a difference,” Rudolph said. “And especially when we’re at this venue at home, gets the crowd into it. To get a guy like George going early. His run-after-catch ability is just second to none, so it was a pretty cool view as I tried to chase him down from behind.”
The duo was not done there, though. Holding a 16-point lead after the Bengals found their only TD of the game, Rudolph found Pickens again on a deep pass for a 66-yard TD in the third quarter.
