The Bengals exited their week 10 bye with a 3-6 record, this after they got off to a 2-0 start. Facing the division leading Steelers, they were still only 2 games back of the division lead, and a win in week 11 would put them back in the race, even if the team has many question marks on the defensive side of the ball. But a loss–putting them 3 games back–would pretty much seal the fate of this season being a lost one. Would they be able to keep their season alive and get the win over a Steelers team they had already beaten earlier this year?
If the first drive was any indication, the answer would be no. A 17 yard pass from Rodgers to Metcalf was followed up by a 35 yard run by Warren a few plays later. The Steelers sliced right through the Bengals defence, eventually finding the end zone via an 11 yard catch and run by Gainwell.
7-0 Steelers.
But the offence, as we have often seen since the Flacco trade, had other ideas. The veteran QB hit Andrei Iosivas on 3rd & 11 to move the chains, and then on 3rd & 7 to move them once more. A handful of plays later, Flacco, after maneuvering around in the pocket, found Tee Higgins deep down the sideline. It was an improvised route that saw the receiver turn up field to work with Flacco, who was also off-script by this point. The pass was on the money, and Higgins caught it for a 28 yard TD.
The extra point was good, but after a Steelers penalty, the Bengals decided to take the point off the board and go for 2. Unfortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, and the Steelers maintained their lead.
7-6 Steelers.
Based on the first matchup between these two teams, as well as the opening two drives in this game, you’d have expected this game to be another shootout. However, the defences took over, forcing punt after punt. The score remained 7-6 until the Steelers kicked a field goal late in the first half.
10-6 Steelers at the half.
The two teams traded field goals to start the 2nd half, before the Bengals began driving on their second possession. Now at the Pittsburgh 35, Flacco made a bad read, and was picked off by the recently acquired Dugger, who returned it to the house.
20-9 Steelers.
After the Bengals added another field goal, the Steelers went down the field for another TD. It was Gainwell’s second of the game, this time from Rudolph, who had replaced the injured Rodgers. And on the next play from scrimmage, a Noah Fant fumble was returned by Pierre for Pittsburgh’s second defensive TD of the game.
34-12 Steelers, final.
The game was close throughout, but the wheels quickly fell off as the 4th quarter approached. Considering the defensive struggles of past weeks, the unit was better in the first half, even if they still had some bafflingly bad moments. But it got worse in the 2nd half, staying consistent with the theme of this season. This, combined with the offence allowing two defensive TD’s, quickly led to a score that looked much more lopsided than the first 3 quarters of play did.
The Bengals fall to 3-7 on the season. They are not mathematically eliminated, but this essentially puts a lid on their playoff hopes. Reports were suggesting that Joe Burrow might be ready to return in a few weeks, but with the current losing streak having been extended, the team should consider shutting their star QB down for the season.
In any event, the Bengals will return home next week, where they will face the red hot New England Patriots.
