3 Steelers who stood out in blowout win over the Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers claimed their first win of the season as they moved to 1-3 in a must-win AFC North matchup. All behind the play of these three stars.

While everyone in Pittsburgh stood out in Week 4, these three young stars really shined. Both on offense and defense, the Steelers were clicking on all levels, leaving little room for error and a blowout win over the Bengals. 

Jaylen Samuels 

Jaylen Samuels and James Conner finally shined as the backfield duo Pittsburgh needed. Samuels was working as the lead in the wildcat for most of the night, and was able to generate big plays on the ground, catching the ball and even with short passes to James Conner. 

The two were unstoppable, but Samuels' play was what really stood out.His ability to create a change-of-pace threat allowed the Steelers to utilize the run to open the pass. 

Mason Rudolph had his receivers open all night, and was able to go over the top  to Diontae Johnson after Samuels and Conner forced the defense to play run. 

More performances like this and the backfield will be one of the best in the NFL. Allowing both backs to split carries, and run successfully, will give Pittsburgh two rested and fueled runners heading into the later part of the season. 

Mason Rudolph 

Mason Rudolph looked like the leader the Steelers have been saying he's been all season. Only his second NFL start and already he's leading blowout AFC North wins, even if it was over the Bengals. 

Going 24-28 last night, Rudolph was able to find players on short routes, and keep the defense on their toes when finding guys like Johnson and JuJu Smith-Schuster on medium passes. 

What really impressed, though, was his impression of Ben Roethlisberger. On more than one occasion, Rudolph found himself escaping the pocket to extend the play, much like the Hall of Famer coaching him from the sideline. 

Rudolph is ready to lead the Steelers however far they can make it this season. 

Devin Bush 

It was a coming out party for the younger Steelers, including their first-round pick. Devin Bush was all over the field in the first half, stopping pass plays over the middle and stuffing the run at the line of scrimmage. 

Although most people will remember his vicious sack on Andy Dalton, what really stood out was his ability to track Joe Mixon. Whenever these two met at the line of scrimmage, Bush never allowed Mixon to fall forward, but instead, carried him into the backfield.

Devins Bush needed to be the spark generator this defense drafted him to be and last night he did that. The defense was clicking on all cylinders, and when they needed a big play made by a linebacker, Bush was there to make it happen. 

He and Bud Dupree appeared to finally have the success the NFL knew they could find. If that continues, this linebacking core will become a nightmare for opposing offenses.