If one thing seems to be confirmed after this game, it's that the Bengals will not go to the playoffs this year. With their backs against the wall, Zac Taylor's men once again suffered in defense. It's simple: the Steelers managed to score 44 points.
Undermined by too many penalties and a few balls from Joe Burrow (28/38, 309 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int, 2 fumbles), the tiger attack still managed to score 38 points! But the film repeats itself over and over again for Cincinnati. The franchise remains unable to win against victorious teams this season.
Russell Wilson (29/38, 413 yards, 3 TD, 1 Int) had one of his best games in a long time. Well supported by Najee Harris (16 races, 75 yards, 1 TD) and George Pickens (3 receptions, 74 yards, 1 TD), he did not let himself be defeated by his pick six at the start of the game.
The Steelers in front at the break
The Bengals find their salvation in defense at the start of the game. After a punt on the first possession, Cam Taylor-Britt emerges and intercepts Russell Wilson. He goes all the way up the field for a pick six. But the Steelers quarterback quickly catches up. In a few plays, he found George Pickens for a 17-yard touchdown.
We barely have time to breathe when Chase Brown goes on a huge 40-yard breakthrough before scoring a touchdown. Immediate response for Wilson who finds Calvin Austin in the end zone.
The offensive orgy continues, first with Ja'Marr Chase, who scores on a jump pass from Burrow. Then with Najee Harris, who equalized a few minutes later.
Five minutes before the break, Joe Burrow was surprised by TJ Watt and let the ball escape him. It is covered by Pittsburgh. Mike Tomlin's men manage to score two consecutive field goals before returning to the locker room (21-27).
The Bengals believe in it until the end
A blocked field goal just after halftime allowed the Bengals to stay within reach of their opponents. But undermined by sacks and penalties, Cincinnati stuck to a field goal. Russell Wilson worsens the score with a 25-yard pass to Pat Freiermuth.
And then everything collapses for the Bengals. In a slow drive, Joe Burrow was intercepted by Donte Jackson on a pass deflected by Tee Higgins. Pittsburgh does nothing with this opportunity but will, from the next drive, prolong the nightmare for Joe Burrow. The quarterback is hit in the back while passing, which allows Nick Herbig to fly for a defensive touchdown (24-41).
But Cincinnati is not saying its last word. In the middle of 4th quarter time, Burrow rushes back up the field to finally find Tee Higgins in the paint. Wilson responds with a caviar to Van Jefferson for a gain of 43 yards before letting Boswell add 3 points. Burrow maintains the pressure with a touchdown for Andrei Iosivas (44-38).
The special team attempts a last chance onside kick, without success. Pittsburgh ticks the clock and leaves with a ninth straight victory this season.
