Cincinnati Bengals (5-6) – Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4): 10-16
The Steelers finally managed to produce more than 400 yards on offense. While the Pennsylvania team had not crossed this symbolic bar since December 2020, it was when it separated from its maligned offensive coordinator that it finally succeeded in rebalancing its offensive production. And in a good way, since Pittsburgh dominated the match from the kick-off, leaving very few opportunities to Cincinnati which seemed completely lost without its playing master Joe Burrow (wrist injury). And this without denying its roots: a very effective running game, an unstoppable Pat Freiermuth, and a decisive George Pickens at the right time. The recipe worked well.
Opposite, the Ohio tigers suffered. The running game gave 25 yards and Jake Browning was rarely able to find solutions. It takes flashes (rare) from Ja’Marr Chase for the attack to advance. Not to mention the defense which played on its heels too often, unable to contain the very traditional play of its opponents.
The Bengals took the lead
At the start of the match, it was Pittsburgh who stood out first. Playing to its strengths, the Pennsylvania team imposes its defense, works on the ground with Najee Harris (RB, 99 yards, 1 TD), and plays intermediate on Pat Freiermuth (TE, 120 yards) and George Pickens (WR, 58 yards) to approach the red zone of the tigers. However, the momentum changed from the start of the game as the Bengals took advantage of a loose touchdown then a covered fumble to get back into the swing of things. Missed opportunity for Pittsburgh, but of no consequence since Cincinnati is struggling in attack.
At the start of the second half, the Steelers regained control. Kenny Pickett (QB, 24/33, 278 yards) connects with Diontae Johnson (WR, 50 yards) for 39 yards, and lights up the scoreboard with a first field goal. The game is really getting underway. Because in response, Jake Browning (QB, 19/26, 227 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) alerts Ja’Marr Chase (WR, 81 yards) for 31 yards, before finding Drew Sample (TE, 11 yards, 1 TD ) who runs to the paint. And as the last two minutes approached, it was Trenton Irwin (WR) who escaped for 25 yards while taking advantage of a penalty. When the whistle blew, the Bengals returned to the locker room in the lead, despite having progressed half as much as the Steelers.
The Steelers lock the game
Upon returning from the locker room, the Steelers look to regain momentum. While Browning finds rhythm, connecting with Chase and his tight ends, Trenton Thompson (S, 5 TKL, 1 PD) emerges and steals the pass to return the leather to the attack. Pittsburgh therefore returns to its fundamentals: a big dose of Freiermuth and Jaylen Warren (RB, 62 yards) which allows Harris to cross the line to restore the advantage to the black and gold.
The final period offers the Steelers the opportunity to drive the point home and put a serious spin on the match. Pickens shines on 43 yards and places his squad within range of a field goal, when TJ Watt (DE, 5 TKL, 2 sacks, 1 TFL) takes care of cutting off the last offensive attempts of the tigers. All that remains is to insist on the ground with Harris, and take another kick to take cover. Because even if Cincinnati quickly grabs a last-hope field goal, Pittsburgh only has to manage the clock by putting its knee on the ground. The Steelers did the job against a sluggish team and remain in the AFC North race for the playoffs.
Pickett to Pickens for a huge gain! #HereWeGo
📺: #PITvsCIN on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/1dOevJjoZZ pic.twitter.com/NZMj58QRYr— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2023
