PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – A year removed from his last start and nearly 14 months since the game in Cleveland where Browns defensive end Myles Garrett struck him with his own helmet, Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph says he’s worried about winning a game.
Rudolph was asked if he’s heard from the Browns Pro Bowler.
“He has not reached out to me in any capacity,” Rudolph said. “Listen, I got a lot of respect for Myles. He’s a great player.”
“They’ve got a great defense, a great team. They are playing for a lot. It’s going to be a fun game. A lot on the line for them, they are playing for a playoff birth. Outside of that, this game is too big to worry about anything external that happened years ago.”
Would Rudolph have an issue if Garrett sought him out in person before the match-up?
“I’m happy to hear Myles out with whatever,” Rudolph said. “If he wants to approach me. If he wants to talk.”
Rudolph again made sure to compliment the Browns defensive star with his next words
“He’s a great player,” Rudolph said. “They are playing well as a defense. He’s a menace in the backfield, very disruptive. When they are playing at their best, he is sack fumbling. He’s getting to the quarterback. We are obviously very aware of that and we treat him with great respect.”
You’ve got to imagine the nerves and energy Rudolph will have on multiple levels.
“Just like Ben said this year at the beginning, week one, he was going to be nervous,” Rudolph said. “It’s been a year since he had played. I would be lying if I said there wouldn’t be any jitters. I’m not going to be too hyped up. You treat it like a day at work. That stuff gets out of your system early. What an opportunity, excited to lead the team and play in a meaningful game.”
Of course that next meaningful game would have to be against the Browns and in Cleveland.
“I wouldn’t have really cared,” Rudolph said. “It is a division opponent. A rival opponent that we know well. Outside of that, I really could care less who the opponent is. It’s big for me regardless because it’s an opportunity for myself and a lot of other guys. To showcase, prove ourselves to our teammates and our coaches.”
Deep down, would Rudolph like to be the man to potentially knock the Browns out of the playoffs?
“I’m looking forward to being personally responsible for winning a game with my teammates for our team,” Rudolph said. “We’re worried about ourselves, our team. We still have a chance to win a two seed back. We’re focused on the Pittsburgh Steelers. What we can control. Anything else outside of that is not important.”
