Steelers Daily News & Links: Rudolph Shines, Najee’s Career Day

Steelers Daily News & Links: Your daily stop for all of the news and links from the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL and around the Sports Now Group.

🏈 Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed all nine passes targeting out-breaking routes for 149 yards in the win over the Seattle Seahawks. Rudolph completed +17.2% of his passes over expected and now holds the two-highest completion percentage over expected (CPOE) marks by a Steelers quarterback in a game this season (Week 16 vs CIN: +9.7% CPOE), according to Next Gen Stats.

🏈 Mason Rudolph was the highest-graded Steelers player by Pro Football Focus in the win over Seattle. Posting a grade of 87.6. Rudolph completed 18 of 24 passes (75%) for 274 yards with no touchdowns, no interceptions, and a quarterback rating of 112.2. Rudolph has a 117.1 passer rating in the last two games and is averaging 10.8 yards per attempt.

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🏈 Najee Harris produced season-highs in carries (27), rushing yards (122), touchdowns (2) and rushing yards over expected (+41) against the Seahawks. Harris gained 118 of his rushing yards after contact, the second-most in a game in his career, per Next Gen Stats.

🏈 In two games with Mason Rudolph at quarterback, George Pickens has 11 receptions for 326 yards and two touchdowns. He has receptions of 86, 66, 44, 37 and 34 yards and is averaging 29.6 yards per catch. Among NFL receivers with 50+ targets, Pickens ranks second in yards per catch (18.1).

🏈 Jim Rooney, the son of the late Pittsburgh Steelers chairman and president Dan Rooney, congratulated Mike Tomlin on extending his non-losing season streak to 17 years. “Congratulations @CoachTomlin. Never a losing season!!!” Rooney wrote on X, along with an old photo of Tomlin hugging his dad in the locker room.

Congratulations @CoachTomlin
Never a losing season!!! pic.twitter.com/ZAsPVd2Fe9

— Jim Rooney (@ADiffWay2Win) January 1, 2024

🏈 Kyle Brandt of Good Morning Football said “Don’t EVER give up on the Steelers.” He believes they’ll make the postseason.

"Don't EVER give up on the @steelers… They're getting in."@KyleBrandt #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/fmOjP35GrP

— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) January 1, 2024

Mason Rudolph is a fan favorite right now. He even signed a fan’s baby after the Steelers’ win over the Seahawks on Sunday.

Absolutely ma'am I would love to sign your baby! pic.twitter.com/Vz0dsAU5GD

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 1, 2024

🎂 Happy Birthday to former Steelers cornerback Richard Shelton, born on January 2, 1966 in Marietta, Georgia. Shelton played for the Steelers from 1990-1993. He played 41 games (eight starts) and recorded three interceptions during his time in Pittsburgh. Shelton is currently a scout for the Tennessee Titans.

🎥 NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger broke down Najee Harris’ standout performance against the Seahawks.

.@steelers @ohthatsNajee22 @Nunless2 what a great afternoon as tge Steelers pound the @seahawks on the ground…refusing to be tackled. #HereWeGo #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/r6TCLK6OZQ

— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) January 1, 2024

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