CINCINNATI -- A wild game had a somewhat normal finish. After both teams missed game-winning field goal attempts, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled a 53-yard attempt on the final play of overtime to lift Pittsburgh to a 23-20 win in Cincinnati. Two big completions from Mitch Trubisky to Pat Freiermuth on Pittsburgh's final possession set up Boswell's game-winning kick.
With Clark Harris, the Bengals' long snapper, injured, Cincinnati missed its game-winning field goal attempt in overtime. Pittsburgh, however, was unable to make its first game-winning attempt when Boswell's 55-yard attempt hit the left crossbar 70 seconds after Evan McPherson missed a 29-yard attempt. McPherson, who lost Harris during regulation, had his game-winning point-after attempt blocked by Minkah Fitzpatrick with two seconds left in regulation to force overtime. Prior to the miss, the Bengals tied the score on Joe Burrow's six-yard touchdown pass to Ja'Marr Chase.
The visiting Steelers, aided by four Bengals turnovers, took a 17-6 lead over the defending AFC champions at halftime. Pittsburgh's defense recorded three first-half interceptions off Burrow, including Fitzpatrick's 31-yard pick-six in the game's opening minutes. The Steelers stretched their lead to 17-3 after Trubisky hit Najee Harris on a 1-yard touchdown pass midway through the second quarter. The score was set up by T.J. Watt's interception of Burrow, who prior to Sunday's game had never thrown multiple interceptions in a first half.
The only score of the third quarter was Burrow's two-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd that was followed by Burrow's two-point completion to Mike Thomas. Despite Burrow throwing his fourth interception of the game six minutes into the fourth quarter, the Bengals' deficit was just six points when Cincinnati took over at its own 30-yard-line with 6:05 left. From there, the Bengals drove to the Steelers' 2-yard-line before Burrow's fourth-down pass for Chase was broken up in the end zone by Cam Sutton. Cincinnati found the end zone on its next possession before Fitzpatrick's blocked point-after attempt forced overtime.
Here's a full breakdown from what transpired in Cincinnati:
Why the Steelers won
The Steelers' opportunistic defense won the game. Pittsburgh's offense did just enough to get the Steelers to the finish line. The Steelers enjoyed a stellar game from Fitzpatrick, who reinforced his status as one of the NFL's best defensive backs.
Why the Bengals lost
Five turnovers is almost impossible to overcome, especially when you don't force any on our end. The Bengals were unable to take care of the ball in the first half and were unable to consistently protect Burrow, who spent a large portion of the day on his back.
Turning point
The Steelers were in control after Watt sacked Burrow midway through the second quarter with Pittsburgh ahead 17-6. Burrow and Chase connected for a 24-yard gain on the next play to help set up the Bengals' first score. The game was a slugfest from that point forward.
Play of the game
After missing his first attempt, Boswell was true on his second field goal attempt in overtime. Boswell made the kick despite considerable wind blowing from left to right.
Fitzpatrick's blocked point-after attempt also deserves mention, as the two-time All-Pro safety was able to get just enough of the ball to force overtime.
Big injuries to both teams
Both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati suffered notable injuries. Bengals wideout Tee Higgins left the game for good after suffering a head injury in the second quarter. Higgins, who caught two passes for 27 yards prior to his injury, was initially questionable to return as he was evaluated for a concussion.
Harris and Watt left the game during the fourth quarter. Watt suffered a pec injury, while Harris left the game with an injured foot.
Trubisky solid in Steelers debut
The former Bears quarterback did not light up the stat sheet in his Steelers debut. He went 21 of 38 for 194 yards along with his touchdown pass to Harris. His two biggest completions in regulation were to tight ends Zach Gentry (32 yards) and Pat Freiermuth (31 yards). Trubisky threw well in overtime, completing a 25-yard pass to Diontae Johnson prior to Boswell's missed field goal attempt. His completions of 26 and 10 yards to Freiermuth moments later set up Boswell's game-winning score.
Offensive lines struggle
Both offensive lines struggled despite both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati adding talent via free agency this offseason. The Bengals' rebuilt line struggled to protect Burrow, who was sacked seven times by the Steelers' defense. Three of those sacks were tallied by Steelers third-year outside linebacker Alex Highsmith.
Pittsburgh's offensive line struggled to pry open holes for Harris, who finished the game with 23 yards on 10 carries. The Steelers' leading rusher was receiver Chase Claypool, who gained 36 yards on six carries.
What's next
The Steelers will begin the home portion of their schedule next Sunday against the Patriots. Pittsburgh last defeated New England in Week 15 of the 2018 season, a 17-10 win at Heinz Field. Cincinnati will head to Dallas to face the Cowboys for its first road game of the campaign. The Bengals have lost four straight against the Cowboys, including a 30-7 decision back in December of 2020. Cincinnati's last win against Dallas took place in 2004, when Carson Palmer quarterbacked the Bengals to a 26-3 win.