From the Locker Room: Devlin Hodges, Mason Rudolph on Steelers’ QB Switch

CINCINNATI — One duck call to James Washington ended up being the difference. Devlin Hodges threw a 79-yard touchdown to Washington after replacing Mason Rudolph, who was benched for poor play in he second half.

That score, as well as three field goals from Chris Boswell, guided the Steelers to an ugly 16-10 victory in Cincinnati.

Hodges explained to Steelers Now what it means to him that head coach Mike Tomlin is confident enough to call on him when needed.

Rudolph expressed being surprised that he was taken out of the game, saying he was unaware he was on a short leash entering the second half. He kept reiterating “that’s a coaching decision” when asked about his benching or if he expects to start next week in a re-match against the Browns.

Regardless of who was in at quarterback, the defense, much like most of the season, led the way for the Steelers. Rookie linebacker Devin Bush talked about keeping the pressure on the Bengals young offensive unit and finally seeing that work result in a big turnover when he caused Tyler Boyd to fumble away what was a 22-yard reception.

With Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes very much alive, Coach Tomlin now has a possible season altering difficult decision to make when he decides who will start at quarterback the rest of the way, or at least who to start next week when Cleveland travels to Heinz Field.

Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Cincinnati.