From the Locker Room: Rudolph Critical of his Play, Hilton Compliments Burns

PITTSBURGH – It wasn’t pretty, and that even includes the weather, but the Steelers continued their winning ways in the preseason with a 17-7 win over Kansas City.

As is accustomed in the preseason, the postgame attention often turns more to how certain individuals play more so than the outcome. And that was the case for Mason Rudolph after his first start of 2019 on Saturday night. Rudolph, who entered the team’s first preseason game late in the first half and managed to throw two touchdown passes, got the start against the Chiefs. The 24-year-old Oklahoma State product finished 10 of 15 for 77 yards.

Even though his stat line shows another solid performance, Rudolph was critical of his own play. “Early on I maybe wasn’t aggressive enough, as I should have been,” Rudolph said, while holding himself to a higher standard.

The backup quarterback situation wasn’t the only focus following a sloppy night at Heinz Field. With both offenses struggling to maintain possession throughout the game, there was an opportunity for a defender to step up. In what might’ve been a surprise to some, Artie Burns was among those with a big night on defense. Burns, who’s been fighting for his football life in Pittsburgh, forced a big fumble that killed a potential scoring drive for the Chiefs.

Burns’ teammate in the secondary Mike Hilton spoke about how hard Burns has worked to be better in the offseason.