The Pittsburgh Steelers wrecked the Bengals in a win driven by brilliant adjustments from the beleaguered coaching staff. Mike Tomlin and Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin game in with a solid game plan and executed it perfectly. The final score wasn’t just about offense; it was about redemption and a dominant defensive performance that completely flipped the script from the first meeting.
The defensive strategy was pretty simple, keep the ball out of the hands of the Bengals dynamic receiving core. Last month in Cincinnati, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins combined for a mind blowing 256 receiving yards and two touchdowns. In the rematch, they were rendered non-factors by a newly configured secondary, combining for less than 100 yards. Chase, in particular, was held to just 30 yards on three catches and he was doing more fighting than catching. The Bengals’ offense finished with 173 fewer total yards in this game compared to the first matchup.
The biggest plays came from the defense. Strong safety Kyle Dugger turned the tide in the third quarter with a massive 74-yard interception return for a touchdown, putting the Steelers up by 11. Pierre added a second defensive score late in the game with a 32-yard scoop-and-score. Playing for the injured Darius Slay, James Pierre was strong in coverage, matching the effort of Joey Porter Jr. who played well.
While the defense held Cincinnati’s receiving threats in check, the run defense was a little leaky allowing 105 rushing yards.
Inside linebacker Patrick Queen anchored the front seven, leading the team with 10 tackles. On the defensive line, Cam Heyward led the linemen with five tackles, but the interior pass rush was quiet—Keeanu Benton recorded the unit’s lone quarterback hit.
Stepping in for the injured Alex Highsmith, outside linebacker Nick Herbig notched the Steelers’ only sack of the game. T.J. Watt had a quiet day in the box score and drew a ridiculous roughing the passer penalty that extended a Bengals drive.
The offense had an uneven day again. The quarterback situation was a tale of two halves. Aaron Rodgers struggled to move the offense after a perfect start. He led the Steelers to a touchdown on the opening possession, going 3 for 3. However, on the next four drives, he went 6 for 12 before being knocked out late in the first half with a hand injury. The offense managed just 110 yards after the initial 78-yard drive.
Mason Rudolph proved it was the right move bringing him back to Pittsburgh. He came in and put together a solid performance. He was prepared and delivered in relief. Going 12 for 16 for 127 yards and a touchdown, Rudolph was instrumental in creating separation, including a 6-for-7 showing on the fourth-quarter touchdown drive.
Arthur Smith must now work on getting Aaron Rodgers back on track when he returns from injury. In the meantime, the performance from Rudolph showed his value and capabilities.
The offensive line had a strong bounce-back effort, allowing only one sack after giving up three in each of the past two games against the Chargers and Colts. Their protection was particularly crucial in the second half, giving Rudolph time to guide the scoring drives.
The running game was productive, totaling 111 rushing yards, but it came at a cost. Jaylen Warren had 62 yards on 10 carries before exiting in the third quarter with an ankle injury.
Kenneth Gainwell stepped up in a massive way. He was a force after Warren left, finishing with 106 scrimmage yards, 61 of which came on the late touchdown drive that sealed the victory. He also caught his second touchdown of the game to put the Steelers up 27-12.
While Gainwell led all pass catchers with 81 receiving yards, it was tight end Darnell Washington that provided the highlight-reel plays. He bulldozed his way to 67 yards on four catches. A stunning 31-yard catch-and-run saw him stiff-arm and run over two defenders. Washington didn’t score on the play but later converted a critical third down with a 17-yard grab.
The team still needs more from the rest of its receivers, with DK Metcalf catching only five passes for 49 yards and no other receiver having more than one catch.
Both Corlis Waitman and Chris Boswell had their usual professional performances despite the treacherous winds. After a tough week last week, Ke’Shawn Williams left the game with an injury. Kenneth Gainwell and D’Shawn Jamison returned kickoffs, and Calvin Austin III handled the punt return duties.
The referees were once again way to involved in the game. Many of the calls benefited the Steelers and it was still annoying to watch.
In the end it was big and much needed boost for the coaching staff, who were absolutely trashed all week by a restless fan base. The team was absolutely prepared for the Bengals and had the perfect game plan. It should keep the media and the fans under wraps for a week.
Beer We Go Steelers, Beer We Go!
My “GAME BEER” goes to: A lot of good people to choose from here but going with Cam Heyward. The stat lines were solid but not outstanding, however yesterday he passed Mike Webster for second most games in Steelers history. That is quite an accomplishment; and we have been blessed to have had Cam for so long. Also Considered: Mason Rudolph who did a great job coming off the bench. Darnell “Mt.” Washington for his highlight film day.
Beer of the Game: We went with a Pa. standby Yuengling Lager, after running out of it half way through the game last week, we had an ample supply for this week!
“Steel the Snacks”: KGB went hybrid Steel the snacks, she went with Kielbasa and Hot Sausage sandwiches with Skyline Chili. Absolutely phenomenal and we actually had them right before the half when the Steelers hit the field goal.
My stat of the week: This is a historical one, 221 games for Cam Heyward who passed Mike Webster on the Steelers all-time list.
My thoughts on next week: The Steelers will head to Chicago to play the Bears. Steelers need a big performance on both sides of the ball.