Entering the game with an 0-3 record in the division, in a tight playoff race, and with a tough schedule up ahead, you could argue that their rematch with the Steelers was pretty close to a must win. It was a tight 1st half, and the Steelers caused more problems for the Bengals than they probably should have. However, the Bengals did well to draw off in the 2nd, with offensive depth being the big story line.
The Good:
– RB, Samaje Perine
It was a huge day for the Bengals backup RB. Already having a role with Mixon healthy, his role increased after Mixon was forced to leave with a concussion. Perine took full advantage. He had 2 receiving TD’s in the 1st half, and added another in the 2nd. The scores go along with 82 yards from scrimmage.
– WR, Tee Higgins
It was also a big game for Higgins, as he was able to step up with Ja’Marr Chase out again. Though Perine hogged most of the TD’s, Higgins was able to create consistent separation, which allowed him to haul in 9 catches. He went for 148 yards on the day, with a long of 33.
– QB, Joe Burrow
Burrow faced some pressure in this one, but he remained calm and his presence in the pocket was impressive, but not at all surprising. He did have a couple of picks, though it is hard to blame him for them. Outside of the few miscues, he had his way passing down the field, averaging 9.1 yards per attempt. He threw for 355 yards.
– OT, La’el Collins
Collins has had a polarizing season to date. Sunday was some of the same, but as the game went on, he did better and better. Going up against TJ Watt is never easy. Though Watt flashed, I think you could say that he ended up pretty frustrated by the end of the game, as Collins, on several reps, seemed to be turning back the clock just a bit.
– WR, Trenton Irwin
Irwin is the feel good story from week 11. He didn’t light up the stat sheet by any means, logging 3 catches for 42 yards and a TD. However, as a practice squadder who has been fighting for every single opportunity over the past few years, it was nice to see him take advantage. Following his performance, the Bengals rewarded him by signing him off of the practice squad to the active roster.
– DE’s, Trey Hendrickson & Sam Hubbard
The 1st half was a bit quiet in terms of pressure. However, the pair of edge rushers heated up in the 2nd half. Hendrickson finished the game with 2 sacks. Hubbard didn’t officially log a sack, but he was right there a lot of the time.
– LB, Germaine Pratt
Pratt was quietly one of the better defensive players for the Bengals on Sunday. He played a big part in the team’s 2nd half improvement on defence, playing well not only against the run, but also the pass. He finished with 8 total tackles.
– K, Evan McPherson
McPherson has had a rough few weeks, but he bounced back very nicely in week 11. The stat sheet itself is impressive, going 3/3 on field goals with a long of 54, and 4/4 on extra points. However, it is even more impressive when you take the building and weather into account. It is never easy to kick in Pittsburgh, and the cold, windy conditions only added to that. McPherson was rock solid. None of his kicks were in doubt.
– P, Drue Chrisman
With Kevin Huber benched, Chrisman made his NFL debut. Safe to say, he did not disappoint. He had a few booming punts, which caught the eye of fans. However, he was also able to show off his directional punting, pinning Pittsburgh inside the 20 a couple of times. Adding to his impact, he also took over the place holding duties from Huber. The transition looked seamless. I’m sure he’ll need to prove himself a few more times before anything is set in stone, but Chrisman seems to be on his way to permanently supplanting Huber. We may see an official roster move in the near future.
The Bad:
– S, Jessie Bates
It wasn’t the best game for Jessie Bates. There were multiple lapses in coverage that led to some chunk yardage for the Steelers. As well, he had a lot of tackling issues, which is something that goes back to early in his career. With the team using a 1st round pick on Daxton Hill earlier this year, you have to at least wonder if Bates will be in the long term plans. Though one bad game doesn’t discount the value he brings, the question will be if he is worth the money.
– 1st Half Defence
The defence left some to be desired in the 1st half. There were lapses in coverage, but also leaks in the run defence. Najee Harris was looking like his old self, and the Steelers were able to put up 20 points before the break. Luckily, they were able to get a handle on it in the 2nd half, allowing only 3 points before a garbage time TD cut into the lead.
– G, Cordell Volson
It is somewhat unfair to include Volson, as he did have a very tough assignment. But he did have his struggles, especially when matched up against Cam Heyward. He was pushed back multiple times, allowing a sack or two in the process. There were some positive reps, however, and his week to week performances have generally been on an upward slope. Doesn’t look like anything to panic about.
Modified Homescreen Image Via: All-Pro Reels (CC)