Whereas the Steelers (6-4) initially listed Rodgers’ standing as “questionable,” he didn’t return to the sideline for the second half.
Enter Rudolph, the longtime backup who led the Steelers on a late run to the playoffs in 2023. He returned to Pittsburgh final spring, although he shortly ceded the beginning job after Rodgers signed in early June.
Rudolph picked up proper the place he left off, finishing 12 of 16 throws for 127 yards, together with a 5-yard landing go to operating again Kenny Gainwell with 3:40 left that sealed it.
Pittsburgh’s protection, which was shredded by Joe Flacco and the Bengals a month in the past, added two touchdowns of its personal. Security Kyle Dugger returned a Flacco go 74 yards for a game-turning pick-6 within the third quarter. Cornerback James Pierre added a 32-yard scoop-and-score late within the fourth.
Flacco’s run of impressed play got here to an abrupt finish. The 40-year-old, who had seemed his age since taking on for an injured Joe Burrow and ineffective Jake Browning, delivered his worst efficiency since arriving in Cincinnati (3-7) final month. Flacco accomplished 23 of 40 passes for 199 yards with a landing and Dugger’s decide.
Ja’Marr Chase, who set a franchise file with 16 receptions in Cincinnati’s first assembly with Pittsburgh, was held to 3 catches for 30 yards within the rematch. The All-Professional broad receiver’s most memorable trade got here early within the fourth quarter when he obtained right into a jawing match with Steelers veteran defensive again Jalen Ramsey.
The 2 have been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct penalties with Cincinnati driving in Pittsburgh territory. They have been separated by teammates solely to reengage after the whistle on the next play. Ramsey ended up being ejected after grabbing Chase’s facemask along with his left hand earlier than taking a swing along with his proper.
A reprise of the memorable shootout in Cincinnati final month appeared within the offing after each groups scored on their opening possession.
It was a mirage. Two of the NFL’s worst defenses held their very own for a lot of the afternoon earlier than Pittsburgh lastly broke it open when Flacco’s ill-advised floater to the center of the sector ended up within the arms of Dugger. The just lately acquired security darted the opposite approach and the Steelers have been in a position to regular themselves after a 1-3 skid put their once-comfortable AFC North lead in critical jeopardy.
Pittsburgh shall be in first place when it travels to Chicago subsequent week, although who the quarterback shall be is a thriller for now.
Accidents
Bengals: CB Cam Taylor-Britt exited with a left foot damage within the first half and didn’t return. TE Drew Pattern was evaluated for a proper indirect damage however returned. DE Trey Hendrickson missed his second straight sport with a hip damage.
Steelers: WR/KR Ke’Shawn Williams entered the concussion protocol within the first quarter after taking successful whereas returning the opening kickoff.
FAQs
- What’s age of Aaron Rodgers?
Aaron Rodgers is 41-year-old. - What number of MVPs Aaron Rodgers has?
Aaron Rodgers is a four-time MVP.
