CINCINNATI — In an unexpected twist in the AFC North, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 on Thursday night at Paycor Stadium. This victory not only halted a four-game losing streak for the Bengals but also reignited their hopes for a playoff berth, closing the gap in the division standings.
The Bengals showcased their offensive prowess, led by quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns. Flacco’s performance was particularly impressive given that he stepped in for starter Joe Burrow, currently sidelined with a turf toe injury. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was a standout, making 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown, marking his career milestone of surpassing 6,000 receiving yards in just 69 games, the fifth-fastest in NFL history.
Chase’s contributions were crucial, but the game also saw a significant improvement from the Bengals’ running game. Chase Brown rushed for 108 yards on 11 carries, including several key runs that helped open up Cincinnati’s passing attack. This performance provided a much-needed boost for a run game that had struggled in previous weeks.
Despite the victory, the Bengals faced challenges, particularly in tackling. For the second consecutive week, defensive issues were evident, with rookie linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. being benched after a missed tackle in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers, who had been dominant this season with only one loss before this game, struggled defensively. They had assembled a formidable secondary during the offseason, featuring players like Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay. However, they were unable to contain the Bengals’ receiving duo of Chase and Tee Higgins, who both found success against the Steelers’ defense.
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a commendable performance, throwing four touchdown passes, including a notable 68-yard connection with tight end Pat Freiermuth. Yet, his two interceptions, including one that was crucial in giving the Bengals their second touchdown, ultimately proved detrimental.
The Steelers’ defensive unit, which had recorded six sacks in the previous two games, struggled to generate pressure on Flacco. They managed only two sacks throughout the matchup, with star linebacker T.J. Watt failing to make a significant impact until late in the game.
This loss marks a troubling trend for the Steelers, as they have allowed over 30 points in a game three times this season, a feat not seen since 2003. The Bengals’ victory served as a reminder of the unpredictability of the AFC North, where any team can emerge victorious on any given night.
Looking ahead, the Bengals will aim to build on this momentum as they face the New York Jets on October 26 at 1 p.m. ET, while the Steelers will seek to rebound against the Green Bay Packers later that evening at 8:20 p.m. ET. The outcome of these upcoming games could significantly impact the playoff race in a tightly contested division.
