PITTSBURGH — They may not make the playoffs, but the Bengals looked like a playoff team during the first three quarters of Saturday night’s must-win game against the Steelers.
Cincinnati (9-8) largely controlled the game and led 19-7 several minutes into the fourth quarter. A muffed punt by the Bengals, though, turned the momentum as the Steelers threatened to steal the game. But the Bengals’ defense slammed the door on Pittsburgh’s comeback hopes after Trey Hendrickson (who had 3.5 sacks on the night) sacked Russell Wilson on the Steelers’ final drive. Wilson then misfired on a deep pass intended for a wide-open George Pickens on the next play, as Cincinnati turned Pittsburgh’s offense over on downs in the closing seconds.
The Bengals needed a win over Pittsburgh to have a chance at making the playoffs (they also need the Dolphins and Broncos to lose on Sunday). Cincinnati doesn’t control its own destiny, but it did its part against a Steelers team that will go into the playoffs with a four-game losing streak.
Winners of five straight games, the Bengals received another sterling performance from quarterback Joe Burrow, who completed his first 12 passes that included a touchdown pass to Ja’Marr Chase on the game’s first drive. Chase caught 10 passes for 96 yards while getting closer to winning the “triple crown.” The Bengals won despite Tee Higgins leaving the game in the second half with an ankle injury.
Pittsburgh’s defense held tough, especially in the red zone. But it was unable to overcome its offense’s most recent lackluster performance. The Steelers (10-7) received another dismal game from Wilson, who finished the game with just 148 yards. Pittsburgh also got virtually nothing from Pickens, who caught one pass for no yards on six targets with three drops.
We’ll have a deep dive on what transpired in Pittsburgh shortly, but in the meantime, check out our live blog below to relive the action in real time.