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Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds vs. Rams in Week 10

By Samuel Teets

PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns a fumble for a 43 yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - NOVEMBER 10: Minkah Fitzpatrick #39 of the Pittsburgh Steelers returns a fumble for a 43 yard touchdown during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 10: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 10: Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Heinz Field on November 10, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Stud: Joe Haden, CB

While Haden has struggled in pass coverage at times this season, he was Superman diving, batting away passes left and right on Sunday. The 30-year old, former Pro Bowler has been a decent addition to Pittsburgh’s secondary. He’s not the player he was back in 2013 and 2014, but Haden is a significant upgrade over someone like Artie Burns.

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The Steelers signed Haden after the Cleveland Browns cut the corner before the 2017 season. Earlier this year, Pittsburgh gave Haden a two-year, $22.4 million contract. He might not live up to the worth of that deal long-term, but he earned it on Sunday.

Against the Rams, Haden made seven tackles, deflected five passes, and got his first interception of the season. He also tipped the pass that Fitzpatrick intercepted at the end of the game.

Dud: Mason Rudolph, QB

Pittsburgh’s offense hasn’t been the same since Ben Roethlisberger exited the team’s Week 2 matchup. No one expected it to be the same, but that shouldn’t diminish how much the offense has been limited by Rudolph’s play.

Against the Rams, Rudolph did lead the Steelers on a fourth quarter drive that resulted in a field goal that increased the Steelers lead to 17-12. He also completed 57.9 percent of his pass attempts for 242 yards and a touchdown. Rudolph posted an 85.6 passer rating.

However, Rudolph took a safety in the fourth quarter, which put the Rams within two of the Steelers. Even though the Rams had several pass rushers pouring in on Rudolph, the second-year quarterback should have flipped the ball away. He had time to get rid of it but held the ball in the face of an overwhelming pass rush. That’s indefensible.

While the young quarterback did have a decent game, he also made unnecessary mistakes and has yet to develop into a player opposing teams fear.

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