The Steelers may have won the battle on Sunday over their division foe the Cincinnati Bengals, but Aaron Rodgers got hurt during the game. Thus, Mason Rudolph stepped in and saved the day. The defense really stepped up as well (the true MVP of the game). This team has been a mystery with some real dud games against the Packers, Chargers, and the first Bengal game on a Thursday night in Cincinnati. This win on Sunday was well-needed going into a difficult three game stretch against the Bears, Bills (at home), and resurgent Baltimore. But, anything is possible in 2025’s NFL. Just look at Kansas City being on the outside looking in.
Week 11 also provided some exciting late game matchups that went down to the final seconds. Seattle’s missed field goal keeps the Rams on top, and Denver’s last second game winner keeps them winning and the Chiefs reeling. Mason Rudolph played hero, but can he work that same magic if he has to next week against the resurgent first-place Bears?
Sunday’s matchup in Chicago is a big deal for my family. My cousins grew up in Chicago and are lifelong Bears fans. However, my relatives grew in Western Pennsylvania and rooted for the Steelers. So when the Steelers and Bears get together every four years which has been the case since 2005, they may be rooting for both teams. The last game in the Windy City was just as memorable as we all got together and we even got to Skype with the midwestern Gaffrons during the game. This was the week of the infamous news of the players staying in the tunnel during the national anthem. Not wanting to talk politics on my blog, I’m going to leave it at that. Despite the uproar and a loss for the Steelers to Bears backup quarterback Mike Glennon, we still had a great time.
My favorite Mason Rudolph moment was him replacing Mitch Trubisky in Week 16 of the 2023 NFL season. Pickett was injured earlier in the month and Trubisky was ineffective as the Steelers lost to two teams with ten losses. They also laid an egg against the Indianapolis Colts the week prior to fall to 7-7. Mason Rudolph played lights out and led the Steelers to a decisive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers’ playoff hopes remained alive at 8-7. The announcer for the game made the remark that “Rudolph saves Christmas in Pittsburgh”. Pittsburgh did get to the postseason but was one and done, losing to the Buffalo Bills.
Mason may start Sunday, but Rodgers may be back. I’m looking forward to the game regardless of who starts. Let’s go Steelers and Bear Down!
Sunday night provided a defensive struggle as the Eagles stifled Detroit’s high powered offense. Philadelphia is my number two team to root for, but watching three games on Sunday comes with a cost. An opportunity cost, that is.
This weekend is the release of Wicked 2, a year after the first movie came out. I didn’t see it on opening weekend as we were in Hershey for the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert. Afterwards I was busy or I was under the weather or a little bit of both. Amazon Prime has Wicked and I might consider downloading it to watch this weekend.
Stylish 🍒 