Pittsburgh Steelers: Studs and duds vs. Cardinals in Week 14

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 08: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers carries the football en route to scoring on a 85 yard punt return touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 08: Joe Haden #23 of the Pittsburgh Steelers intercepts a pass that was intended by Christian Kirk #13 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at State Farm Stadium on December 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. Pittsburgh won 23-17. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Stud: Joe Haden, CB

Early in the third quarter, Arizona drove down the field, looking to eliminate Pittsburgh’s slim 13-10 lead. Then Haden made an incredible read, peeling off of his man and jumping a shorter route for an interception. The turnover set up a long Pittsburgh drive that resulted in a touchdown and a 20-10 lead.

Haden then clinched the game for the Steelers. With less than a minute left, Murray heaved a deep pass on fourth and 17, and Haden came down with his second interception of the game. This is the second week in a row that Haden has clinched a win with an interception. He picked off Baker Mayfield with just over a minute remaining in Week 13.

Dud: Benny Snell Jr., RB

The rookie fourth-round pick certainly has potential, but he cannot flourish in Pittsburgh’s mostly one-dimensional offense. While Devlin Hodges is 3-0, teams still prefer to stop Pittsburgh’s ground game rather than worry about the passing attack. Combine that with a poor year for run blocking and life is tough on Pittsburgh’s workhorses.

Against Arizona, Snell carried the ball 16 times for 41 yards (2.6 yards per carry). He’s was averaging 4.3 yards per carry entering Week 14. In Weeks 12 and 13, Snell carried the ball a total of 37 times for 161 yards and a touchdown. He’s Pittsburgh’s lead back until Conner returns from his AC joint sprain.

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