The Bengals entered the final week of the regular season needing a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They would need help regardless, but first had to take care of their own business. In their way—division rival Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bengals have been an improved team of late, coming in on a 4 game winning streak. However, Pittsburgh was likely the toughest opponent of the home stretch, and would prove to be a tough test.
It was a great start for the Bengals. Joe Burrow got things going in the passing game by hitting Mike Gesicki for a 12 yard completion. He then found him again for another 16 yards, not long after. The Bengals continued to move the ball down the field, and Burrow was able to complete 3 straight passes to Ja’Marr Chase, the third of which was a 12 yard TD. 7-0 Bengals.
The defence forced a 3 and out, with a Trey Hendrickson sack getting them off the field on 3rd down. Cincinnati’s offence would then go on another solid drive, before it eventually stalled out. Cade York’s 48 yard field goal gave them a 10-0 lead.
Down two scores, the Pittsburgh offence went to work. Cincy had them on their heels again, but a 25 yard catch by Williams moved the chains on 3rd & 11. A pass interference call on Cam Taylor-Britt later assisted the Steelers in converting another 3rd down. They moved the ball well on this drive, and it was capped off with a 1 yard TD run by Harris. 10-7 Bengals.
The 2nd quarter was sloppy, as the two teams traded special teams fumbles, and Burrow threw a redzone interception. But the Steelers decided to go for it on 4th & inches in their own territory, only to be stuffed at the line. The Bengals got down to the redzone again, but had to settle for a field goal. Cincinnati went into the break with a 13-7 lead.
The Bengals defence forced two punts to start the 2nd half, and both offensive drives led to redzone field goals. They were putting up points, and had a 19-7 lead, but their inability to punch it in from the redzone has been a concern all season long.
With the door still open, the Steelers were able to make it interesting. Wilson led a nice drive, working the quick passing game to move down the field. After Wilson scrambled for 12 yards, he found Freiermuth for a 19 yard TD on the next play. 19-14 Bengals.
After a Steelers field goal made it 19-17, the Bengals offence was unable to close it out. Pittsburgh got the ball back, needing just a field goal to win. They were driving near midfield when Trey Hendrickson was able to get home for a big 2nd down sack. The defence then forced two straight incompletions to seal the win.
The Bengals improve to 9-8 on the year, and stay alive in the playoff race… for now. They will need help on Sunday in order to get in. The Chiefs, with Carson Wentz starting at QB, will have to beat the Denver Broncos. As well, the Jets must beat the Dolphins, who will be without Tua Tagovailoa.
