James Washington Scores 73-Yard TD After Steelers Bench Mason Rudolph

James Washington got to show off the type of strength you only get changing tractor tires in west Texas during the offseason, and the speed we’ve know about around these parts for years.

During the Steelers’ 16-10 win at Cincinnati on Sunday, the second-year wideout caught a 73-yard touchdown pass from Devlin Hodges before a subtle but effective stiff arm cleared the way for his second touchdown of the season.

James Washington's stiff arm had his defender stumbling ?

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/99LYrHjQ29

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 24, 2019

The play might be bittersweet for Oklahoma State fans watching because it happened shortly after Hodges replaced Mason Rudolph. Rudolph was essentially benched after starting 8-of-16 for 85 yards and his ninth interception of the year.

Rudolph appears to have had a short leash following his four-interception game against Cleveland in Week 11. It was probably the worst performance of his career, even if it was overshadowed by the fight that broke out at the end, and ensuing drama the following week.

Washington’s 98 yards (on three catches) set a new career high, topping his previous best game of 90 yards two weeks earlier against the Rams.

Hodges, the undrafted rookie QB, finished 5-of-10 for 118 yards and that score. Rudolph would return to the game, but just for the Steelers to run out the clock.