Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Bold predictions vs. 49ers, Week 3

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PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers rushes for a first down in front of Bobby Wagner #54 of the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field on September 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Seattle won the game 28-26. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

After a chaotic and disappointing opening to the week, the Pittsburgh Steelers have to focus on facing the undefeated San Francisco 49ers in Week 3.

This has been one of the worst starts to a season for the Pittsburgh Steelers in recent memory. After getting crushed and humiliated by the New England Patriots in Week 1, the Steelers lost to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2. Before halftime, Ben Roethlisberger went to the locker room with an apparent elbow injury. The injury was later confirmed and Big Ben will have season-ending surgery.

Naturally, rumors about Roethlisberger retiring after the season started to swirl immediately. The Steelers can’t be afforded to get distracted by fan theories concocted on Twitter though. They still have 14 games left to play. With their postseason aspirations all but gone, it’s time to take things week by week.

Pittsburgh’s immediate focus should be on their Week 3 matchup against the 2-0 San Francisco 49ers. These are three bold predictions for that matchup on Sunday.

3. Mason Rudolph throws three touchdowns

For a second-year quarterback who had never thrown a pass during a regular season game before, Mason Rudolph was impressive on Sunday. He completed 12 of his 19 pass attempts (63.16 percent) for 112 yards and two touchdowns. His passer rating was a respectable 92.4.

Rudolph was intercepted once, but the fault for that play lies entirely with Donte Moncrief. The pass went between the free-agent signee’s hands, bounced off of his upper body, and was then intercepted by Bradley McDougald. I can’t blame Rudolph for that one.

The one thing that does concern me about Rudolph is his yards per completion. His completions went for 5.9 yards on average against Seattle. Ideally, you’d like to see that number be at least around eight yards per completion. However, I’m willing to roll with Rudolph and bet on him heading into Week 3.

If there was ever a time that the team and fanbase needed a win, it would be now. We’ll see if Rudolph rises to the occasion at San Francisco.

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