George Pickens talks on connection with QB Mason Rudolph following Steelers triumph over Bengals: “Hoping he would give me a chance”

The AFC North is having one of the most competitive scenarios in the 2023 NFL season. All four teams in the division have equal or more than eight wins. The showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals was highly intense as both of the teams are vying ferociously for a playoff run.

The Bengals fell short in the run as the Steelers picked up a commanding victory over them. Quarterback Mason Rudolph’s excellent passing and wide receiver George Pickens’ explosive plays paved the way for the Steelers to the victory. Following the win, Pickens heaped praise on his teammate for his bonding with him on the field.

George Pickens talks on connection with Mason Rudolph

Mason Rudolph and George Pickens combined forces to revitalize the Steelers’ offense and reignited the team’s dwindling playoff aspirations. Saturday’s clash against the Bengals showcased the potency of this quarterback-wide receiver connection.

Stepping into the starting role for the first time in two years due to injury of Kenny Pickett, Rudolph seized the opportunity from the start of the match. The game’s second play saw him link up with Pickens on an 86-yard touchdown. This explosive connection marked the Steelers’ longest touchdown since Roethlisberger’s memorable 97-yard throw in 2018.

Throughout the game, the QB’s chemistry with his WR was visible as they made a 66-yard aerial strike in the third quarter as well. George Pickens attributed their success to Rudolph’s willingness to take chances and his own determination to capitalize on those opportunities. The WR also revealed the unpredictable gameplay of Rudolph saying he just wished to have a top-notch connection with his teammate.

“I was just hoping he’d give me a chance..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”, he said.

Rudolph’s impact wasn’t limited to those highlight-reel moments as he recorded two additional scoring drives in the first half. He also connected with Pickens for a crucial 44-yard completion on third-and-long to set up a field goal.

Meanwhile, prior to this game, George Pickens had displayed his receiving capabilities with over 800 yards and three touchdowns, but his explosion against the Bengals, with four receptions for an astounding 195 yards and two touchdowns, pushed him into the spotlight.

Steelers beat Bengals

The Steelers won against the Cincinnati Bengals by halting Cincy’s three-game winning streak with a resounding 24-0 halftime lead that ultimately resulted in a 34-11 win. While the Bengals briefly ignited hope with quarterback Jake Browning’s 80-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins early in the second half, the Steelers swiftly regained control. They capitalized on their defense’s three turnovers by translating them into an impressive 17 points.

Steelers linebackers Eric Rowe and Myles Jack delivered solid performances, alongside the exceptional play of stars like T.J. Watt, and Alex Highsmith. Watt, leading the league with an impressive 17th sack, showcased his dominance on the field. Meanwhile Highsmith’s sack and crucial interception set up the decisive points via a Chris Boswell field goal.

For the Bengals, they sorely felt the absence of Ja’Marr Chase, sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Despite Tee Higgins stepping up admirably with five catches for 140 yards, the impact of Chase’s absence was evident. Browning valiantly threw for 335 yards and a touchdown but struggled with three interceptions. His record as a starter now stands at 3-2, stepping in for the injured Joe Burrow.