Bengals Edge Steelers in Thrilling Late-Game Finish
The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in a tightly contested game decided by a last-second field goal, 27-26. Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, recently joining the Bengals, proved instrumental in the victory, demonstrating a strong connection with receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Bengals fans welcomed Flacco’s arrival,and his performance justified their enthusiasm.
Pittsburgh’s defense, recently bolstered by acquisitions like Joey Porter Jr., Darius Slay, and Jalen Ramsey, struggled to contain Flacco and the Bengals’ passing attack. Flacco effectively utilized slant and crossing routes to consistently find Chase and Higgins.The Bengals’ success in both the running and passing game kept the Steelers’ pass rush off balance.
A crucial moment came late in the fourth quarter. Trailing by one point with 2:15 remaining, Flacco connected with Higgins for a 28-yard reception, putting the Bengals within field goal range. Higgins strategically slid to stop the clock and force the Steelers to use their remaining timeouts. Cincinnati ultimately secured the win with a field goal with just seven seconds left, and a Hail Mary attempt by Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers fell incomplete as time expired.
Brown’s breakout performance Fuels Bengals’ Run Game
Cincinnati’s running game, previously a weakness, showed significant enhancement. Running back Chase Brown, who had previously averaged 2.7 yards per attempt with a long rush of 13 yards, broke off runs of 28 and 37 yards, finishing the night with 108 yards on 11 carries. This newfound effectiveness in the running game opened up opportunities in the passing game, though Flacco primarily focused on completing passes throughout the contest.
bengals’ defense Remains a Concern
Despite the victory, the Bengals’ defense continues to be a point of concern. The team struggled with tackling, missing 19 tackles the previous week and continuing to struggle in this game, with linebacker demetrius Knight Jr. leading the team with four missed tackles.
The absence of Trey Hendrickson due to injury exacerbated the team’s existing pass rush issues. Missed tackles contributed to over 100 yards of offence for the Steelers, while coverage breakdowns added another 100-plus yards. Safety Geno Stone was frequently involved in both issues. While strong plays from DJ Turner and others provided moments of stability, the defensive struggles bear a concerning resemblance to those of the previous season, raising questions about the team’s ability to consistently rely on offensive firepower to compensate.
Steelers’ Early Lead Undermined by Penalties and Turnovers
The Steelers initially built a 10-0 lead, but a series of mistakes allowed the Bengals to regain momentum.A false start penalty on right guard Mason McCormick on a fourth-and-1 attempt from the Cincinnati 18-yard line forced the steelers to settle for a field goal. The Bengals responded with a touchdown.
Immediately following the field goal, Rodgers attempted a deep pass to DK Metcalf, which was intercepted. Cincinnati capitalized on the turnover, driving 37 yards in three plays to take a 14-10 lead. The Bengals continued their scoring surge, reaching 20 points before the Steelers could respond.
Rodgers’ Late Touchdown not Enough
Rodgers delivered a late-game touchdown pass to Pat Freiermuth, a 68-yard connection, to give the Steelers a brief lead with 2:26 remaining. However, the steelers’ defense was unable to secure a stop, allowing the Bengals to drive into field goal range and ultimately win the game. The Steelers’ rapid scoring drive proved insufficient as their defense failed to hold the lead.
