The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Cincinnati Bengals in an awful performance that highlighted critical issues on the defensive side of the ball, despite the best performance of the season from the Steelers’ offense. While quarterback Aaron Rodgers tossed four touchdowns and the running game flourished, costly errors and a defensive collapse against the Bengals’ passing and running attacks proved to be the difference.
The secondary was exposed by the Bengals’ star receivers. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins dominated, with Chase recording a remarkable 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown, and Higgins adding six catches for 96 yards and a score.
Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin’s unit had no answer, regardless of whether they employed man or zone coverage. Even when double-teaming both receivers, quarterback Joe Flacco was able to find success, including a critical late first-half connection with Andrei Iosivas. It was a tough night for cornerback Joey Porter Jr. struggled, incurring two more pass interference penalties and being victimized in man coverage. DeShon Elliot led the team in tackles with nine.
The run defense was embarrassing. The Bengals, who entered the game with the league’s worst rushing attack (averaging 57 yards per game), gashed the Steelers for 142 yards on the ground, accumulating 97 by halftime. Aside from an early sack by Keeanu Benton and a late-game effort by Cam Heyward that set up a Watt sack, the pass rush from the outside linebackers, including Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, was largely a non-factor. Inside linebacker Cole Holcomb led with seven tackles, but the inability to stop yards after contact, particularly by Chase Brown on the second level, gashed the Steelers.
The Steelers’ offensive line is beginning to come together. They had their best game of the season. Showcasing elite run-blocking that allowed the backs to average 7.4 yards per carry, while Aaron Rodgers was not sacked for the second consecutive game. Running back Jaylen Warren tied his career high with 127 rushing yards and totaled 158 yards from scrimmage. He had an outstanding day.
The offense made two critical errors and were hampered by poor decision-making. Aaron Rodgers threw two interceptions, giving Cincinnati 10 points off turnovers.
You are starting to see the offense and what the vision is, the tight ends carried the passing game. Pat Freiermuth finally broke through with a significant performance, catching five passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. The tight end trio (Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington) combined for 141 of Rodgers’ 249 passing yards. It was good to see Roman Wilson get some action and he chipped in two catches. DK Metcalf had 50 yards and three catches.
In special teams, rookie returner Ke’Shawn Williams provided a spark, averaging 30.3 yards per kickoff return and executing a 17-yard punt return. Punter Corliss Waitman was effective, pinning the Bengals inside the 20 on both attempts. Chris Boswell bounced back from last week and put together his usual performance.
It was a lousy night.
BEER WE GO STEELERS, BEER WE GO!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: Jaylen Warren who put together his best game of the season and was outstanding, averaging a WHOPPING 7.9 yards per carry. Also Considered: Pat Freiermuth who finally had his breakout game, putting up 111 yards and scoring what was the go ahead touchdown at the time.
Beer of the Game: Montauk Pumpkin Ale, I had spent the later part of the day there and thought this was a good omen…it wasn’t.
“Steel the Snacks”: KGB made Skyline Chili over spaghetti, she absolutely nailed it and the magic of the snacks worked at least for a little while.
My stat of the week: BWG are Tomlin supporters, but his record on Thursday Night Division opponents is a huge negative mark on his career. Mike Tomlin’s record in Thursday Night Football road games against AFC North divisional opponents is now 0 wins and 7 losses (0-7), that is just embarrassing.
My thoughts on next week: The Steelers will have plenty of time to get ready for the Green Bay Packers, we will be there!
Jersey of the Week: No Jersey as it was a work day, I did wear my black sport coat with a gold pocket silk.