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3 Key match ups to watch in Steelers week 3 vs 49ers

By Jobe Morrison

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with Jaylen Samuels #38 after rushing for a first down during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Seattle won the game 28-26. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 15: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates with Jaylen Samuels #38 after rushing for a first down during the fourth quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Seattle won the game 28-26. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the third quarter against the Seattle Seahawks at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Mason Rudolph vs. The Pressure

In Bill’s Cowher’s 13th season as the Steelers head coach, starting quarterback, Tommy Maddox went down with an elbow injury in the 2nd week of the 2004 season. Coming out to start the second half was the rookie out of Miami of Ohio, Ben Roethlisberger.

In Mike Tomlin’s 13th season as the Steelers head coach, legendary quarterback Big Ben Roethlisberger went down with an elbow injury in the 2nd week of the 2019 season. Coming out to start the second half was the Steelers 3rd round pick from a year ago out of Oklahoma State, Mason Rudolph.

Will the rest be history?

There is no debate the shoes Rudolph will have to fill are enormous. A two time Super Bowl champion, owner of every significant Steeler passing record, and the face of the franchise for practically two decades, Roethlisberger was the man who brought the Lombardis back to Pittsburgh.

Though Roethlisberger is expected to be back next season, Rudolph has a very intriguing opportunity on his hands. He is out to prove he is the quarterback of the future and guide the Steelers to the playoffs with little faith being put in the team to do so.

What if he plays lights out and shows there’s a reason teams gave him a first-round grade? What if he takes the Steelers on a deep run? There’s a lot of benefit to these thoughts, but also a lot of pressure.

As if making your first start in place of a Steel City icon with the young season in jeopardy, he will also be facing against one of the best defenses so far this year in a hostile environment.

The stadium will be loud and filled with optimism for their home team. It will be a big task to communicate effectively and shut out the noise. With an opportunity to seize the game, season, and future of the Steelers, Rudolph will have to face the pressure of the fans, 49ers defense, and himself. Is he up for the task?

Next. Why the Steelers should avoid signing Colin Kaepernick. dark

Sunday at 4:25 PM EST will begin either redemption or continue a collapse. The entire national media has the Steeler down and out for the count. As Coach Tomlin has stated many times, they are the common denominator in their success and failures this week. It is time to step up and win!

Here we go Steelers!

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