Injuries often derail progress in the NFL, especially when an offense is still searching for its identity. Arthur Smith is known for crafting successful units, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have struggled far too often this season.
Yes, the addition of All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers has elevated the group, but not by the overwhelming margin many anticipated. His 19 touchdown passes rank fifth in the league, yet that production wasn’t enough to save him from adversity in Week 12. A fractured left wrist loomed over Pittsburgh’s preparation all week as Rodgers hoped to face an old familiar foe in the Chicago Bears.
It wasn’t until Sunday morning that Mike Tomlin delivered the news no fan wanted to hear: Rodgers would not participate in the matchup.
Suddenly, the weight of a must-win game fell onto the shoulders of backup quarterback Mason Rudolph. If he felt pressure, he didn’t show it. Instead, he walked onto the field with the confidence of someone who has spent months absorbing wisdom from the man ahead of him on the depth chart.
And in the first half against Chicago, Rudolph looked like a quarterback who belonged.
His early performance offered glimpses of excellence, signs that he has been quietly growing behind the scenes. Rudolph’s poise and decision-making helped guide Pittsburgh on a 95-yard touchdown drive—its longest scoring sequence in years. It wasn’t fluky. It wasn’t chaotic. It was smooth, calculated, and downright refreshing for a fanbase accustomed to offensive turbulence.
The Pittsburgh Steelers looked comfortable with Mason Rudolph as QB1 during the first half
The drive showcased timing, balance, and command, all of which have too often been missing in Pittsburgh’s weekly script.
Of course, the Steelers' defense contributed as well. A strip-sack from T.J. Watt gifted Pittsburgh another touchdown, pushing the momentum even further in the Steelers’ direction. But it would be unfair to let Watt’s brilliance overshadow what Rudolph accomplished.
He met expectations—and arguably exceeded them—in a situation where many believed Pittsburgh had little chance without Rodgers’ presence.
Rudolph wasn’t reckless. He wasn’t overwhelmed. He didn’t try to be the hero. Instead, he took what Chicago gave him and kept the offense on schedule. That alone marked a noticeable shift in Pittsburgh’s rhythm. He finished the first half with 10 completions on 11 attempts and 86 passing yards. His one incompletion was an interception in the first quarter.
For a team that has too often relied on Rodgers to mask its shortcomings, the first half was a revelation: the Steelers can function, and function well, even without their All-Pro leader.
Fans have been wondering what the future of this team might look like if Rodgers misses extended time. Through two quarters of football in Week 12, the Steelers offered an encouraging answer. Rudolph looked prepared. The offense looked balanced. And the team looked alive—maybe more alive than it has in weeks.
The first half didn’t just give Pittsburgh a 21-17 lead. It gave them something far more valuable: reassurance.