SEATTLE (AP) — On the list of the NFL’s winningest coaches, Pete Carroll and Mike Tomlin are linked by proximity and success.
Carroll ranks 13th all-time with 180 wins between the regular season and the playoffs. Right behind him is Tomlin, with 179 victories.
Despite being among the league’s longest-tenured coaches, the two have met only four times previously heading into Sunday’s matchup between the Steelers and the Seahawks.
A win would also ensure yet another season finishing at or above .500 for Tomlin.
This season has featured striking similarities for both teams — some unexplainable losses, a bunch of close wins and an untimely losing streak. The Seahawks lost four straight before salvaging their playoff chances with consecutive 20-17 wins over Philadelphia and Tennessee the past two weeks.
While starter Kenny Pickett’s surgically repaired right ankle felt good enough for him to practice this week, Rudolph’s ability to generate the kind of big plays that have been lacking for long stretches this season made Tomlin inclined to stick with the hot hand. Not bad for someone who hadn’t started a game in more than two years.
“Performing (in practice) and performing in stadiums are two different things,” Tomlin said. “And so, it was good to see it show up in the stadium, but I don’t think any of us were shocked by it. We’ve all seen it in stadiums with him before.”
FAMILIAR FACE
The Steelers could see a familiar face playing a prominent role for Seattle’s defense on Sunday. Former first-round pick Devin Bush could be in line for his first start since signing with the Seahawks in the offseason. Seattle is uncertain whether starting linebacker Jordyn Brooks will be able to play after he aggravated an ankle injury last week against Tennessee.
Bush played 40 defensive snaps against the Titans. It was the second time in a month he got extensive playing time after after Brooks was initially hurt in Week 13 at Dallas. Bush has not started a game since Week 15 of last season while still with the Steelers.
“You have to balance the emotions of playing your former team, but also locking in and knowing what you have to do and what you have to get done,” Seattle linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “I feel like he’ll be good.”
PATCHWORK UNITS
The Steelers have endured plenty of roster churn at inside linebacker this season after opting not to keep Bush. Free agent signees Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander are both out for the season with injuries, and Elandon Roberts is also likely done for the year after sustaining a pectoral injury last week.
Enter Mychal Walker, Myles Jack and Blake Martinez. Walker and Martinez joined Pittsburgh’s practice squad in October, and the Steelers lured Jack out of retirement a couple of days before Thanksgiving.
There are also issues at safety, with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Keanu Neal and Damontae Kazee all unavailable due to injury or suspension. Eight-time Pro Bowler Patrick Peterson moved from cornerback to safety full-time last week, helping the Steelers generate three interceptions against Cincinnati’s Jake Browning.
