CINCINNATI -- While they didn't light up the scoreboard, the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense looked significantly better in Sunday's 16-10 win over the rival Cincinnati Bengals. The victory moved the Steelers to 7-4, while the Bengals fell to 5-6.
With assistant coaches Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan sharing offensive coordinator duties, the Steelers out-gained their opponent for the first time this season. They also gained over 400 total yards for the first time since the 2020 playoffs. Kenny Pickett had success all day throwing to tight end Pat Freiermuth, who caught nine passes for 120 yards. Pittsburgh's running game gashed Cincinnati's 31st-ranked run defense to the tune of 156 yards. The success on the ground was largely set up by Pickett, who went 24 of 33 for 278 yards that included completions to eight different teammates. Half of those completions went to Pittsburgh's tight ends, led by Freiermuth.
Despite its success on offense, Pittsburgh trailed 7-3 at halftime after Jake Browning hit Drew Sample for an 11-yard score less than five minutes into the second quarter. The momentum swung for good on Trenton Thompson's pick of Browning with the Bengals threatening to add to their lead early in the third quarter. The interception ignited a 14-play, 79-yard drive by Pittsburgh's offense that was capped off by Najee Harris' game-winning touchdown run.
Pittsburgh followed that drive with a pair of drives that ended on Chris Boswell field goals. Cincinnati responded with a field goal, but the Steelers ended any hopes of a comeback after they recovered the ensuing onside kick.
Here's a closer look at the Steelers' win in the Queen City.
Pittsburgh's improved offense was a big reason why Mike Tomlin's team won in Cincinnati for a second straight year. The unit had more balance that it's had all season, with as many passes (33) as rushing attempts. Big plays were also a big reason for the unit's success -- the Steelers had six plays of at least 20 yards.
Complementary football was also a key component of the win. The Steelers' offense capitalized on Thompson's pick by putting together the game-winning drive. It was the first of three consecutive scoring drives by the Steelers offense, who also received two quick stops by the defense over that span.
Defensively, the Steelers sacked Browning four times with half of those coming from T.J. Watt, who on Sunday joined Reggie White as the only two players in league history to record 90 sacks in their first 100 games.
The answer to this one is simple: no Joe Burrow. This game could have easily gone in a different direction if Burrow was healthy and in uniform. But Cincinnati just isn't the same team without him. Not having Tee Higgins and standout cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (who were also injured) didn't help matters.
Injuries aside, the Bengals' offense was responsible for the game's critical turnover. They were also just 2 of 10 on third down.
Thompson's pick changed the trajectory of the game. With the Bengals in position to add to their 7-3 lead, Thompson's pick while covering Chase in Pittsburgh's red zone gave possession back to the Steelers' offense. Pittsburgh then proceeded to score on its next three drives.
"We know we're capable of putting that kind of offense out there every week. We just weren't able to do it the previous weeks. It feels good to come together like that and put out a great game." -- Pickett
The Steelers will play the Cardinals next Sunday in the first of two consecutive home games. Pittsburgh will then host New England (2-9) five days later on "Thursday Night Football."
Cincinnati will face the Jaguars in Jacksonville (8-3) on Thursday night football. Led by Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars have continued to roll this season; Doug Pederson's team is current atop the AFC South standings after edging the Texans on Sunday.
Big win for the Steelers, who out-gained their opponent for the first time this season. Pittsburgh also gained over 400 yards of total offense since its 2020 AFC wild card loss to Cleveland.
Bengals get a FG, but this game is essentially on ice after Pittsburgh recovered the onside kick.
Watt just clobbered Browning on third down. Just ran right around Williams for his second sack. Bengals forced to punt again. There's only six minutes left, so very conceivable that the Bengals may only get one more chance to win this.
Pickett gave Johnson a chance on third down, but the pass was broken up by DJ Turner, who recovered Warren's fumble earlier.
Boswell makes a FG, though, increasing the Steelers' lead to 13-7.
Big throw from Pickett to Pickens over Mike Wallace for a first down. Good coverage by Hilton but a better throw by Pickett and even better catch by Pickens. Play goes for 43 yards.
Big completion from Pickett to Johnson on third down gives the Steelers third down. Bengals continued to bring the heat but Pickett made a quick read and Johnson made a good catch.
Pickens walking off under his own power, but won't be in for this third down play obviously.
George Pickens is injured after trying to come down with a deep pass on the near sideline.
Here's a look at Harris' third quarter TD.
Sack of Browning forces the Bengals to punt. Heyward and Watt combined on the sack, but Highsmith ignited it with his pressure after beating Irv Smith Jr.
Damontae Kazee misses a sure pick, and it was caught by Ja'Marr Chase for 14 yards.
Steelers lead 10-7 after three quarters. The turning point in the quarter was Trenton Thompson's pick that set up Pittsburgh's 79-yard scoring drive that was capped off by Najee Harris' 5-yard TD run.
Najee Harris punches it in, and the Steelers take a 10-7 lead. Officials initially said that Washington held Pratt, but they picked up the flag.
A 14-play, 79-yard drive that saw them go 3-for-3 on third down. Freiermuth had two big catches on the drive and Pickett was 6 of 7 through the air.
More Freiermuth and Warren gives the Steelers a first and goal.
Here's a look at Thompson's pick that jump-started Steelers current drive.
Once again, Pickett hits Freiermuth for a first down. Freiermuth came into today with 60 receiving yards. Pickett said last week that the Browns really focused on him; Bengals should have done the same.
Here's the catch by Chase that didn't lead to any points.
Trenton Thompson steps in front of Browning to make a big turnover. Pick came deep in Bengals territory after a big completion from Browning to Ja'Marr Chase.
Browning hits Andrei Iosivas for the game's first first down of the second half. Bengals got the ball first to start the half after deferring to open the game.
Wind has picked up in the second half. Pushing from right to left.
Score: Bengals 7, Steelers 3
First downs: Steelers 10-5
Third down: Steelers 3-9, Bengals 0-4
Total yards: Steelers 221-98
Rushing: Steelers 80-12
TOP: Steelers 19:09
Pickett: 13-19, 149 yards, 1 sack
Browning: 9-12, 101 yards, 1 TD, 2 sacks
Harris: 7 carries, 46 yards (long 20 yards)
Warren: 7 carries, 26 yards
Freiertmuch: 5 catches for 88 yards
Chase: 2 catches for 42 yards
Pickens: 1 catch for 5 yards
Holding call against Broderick Jones ends what will likely be the Steelers' final drive of the first half.
Pickett is feeding Freiermuth, who continues to find openings in the middle of the Bengals' defense. Two completions to Freiermuth gives the Steelers a first down near midfield.
Steelers will get one more chance to score before halftime after the defense forces a quick three and out. Browning has played well, but he's staring down his receivers.
Meanwhile, Browning does a great job evading Chandon Sullivan before hitting Trenton Irwin downfield for a first down.
A roughing-the-passer penalty makes it a 40-yard play.
Bengals have brought pressure on third downs and Steelers haven't adjusted. Nick Scott came free on Pittsburgh's last third down, and Pickett was forced to throw it away.
Sack by Nick Herbig ends Bengals fourth drive. Steelers brought pressure and Herbig came off the right side, which is where Browning was after he left the pocket.
Surprised the Bengals aren't running more with Browning in the game. Mixon only has four carries so far.
Here's a look at the only TD of the game so far:
Pickett and Johnson have a miscommunication on third down, and the Steelers will punt.
That was an ongoing issue last Sunday and continues to be an issue.
Browning hits a wide open Drew Sample for a TD that was set up by Ja'Marr Chase's 31-yard catch and a 46-yard kickoff return by Trayveon Williams.
