In a thrilling Thursday night showdown at Paycor Stadium, the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31, thanks to Evan McPherson’s clutch 36-yard field goal with just seven seconds left on the clock. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this victory a testament to the Bengals’ newfound offensive prowess, or did the Steelers simply hand them the win with costly mistakes? Let’s dive in.
McPherson’s game-winner capped an extraordinary performance by veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns. His chemistry with receiver Ja’Marr Chase was nothing short of magical, as Chase set a franchise record with 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. Tee Higgins also shone, adding 96 yards and a score. And this is the part most people miss: Flacco’s ability to execute his second and third reads in critical moments—like his 38-yard floater to Andrei Iosivas and a touchdown to Noah Fant—was just as crucial as his connection with Chase.
The Bengals (3-4) appear to have struck gold with Flacco, who joined the team just nine days prior. His seamless integration into the offense and ability to distribute the ball effectively have pulled the Bengals out of their offensive slump. But here’s the bold question: Can Flacco sustain this level of play, or was this a one-off performance against a struggling Steelers defense?
Speaking of the Steelers, their defense—bolstered by stars like Joey Porter Jr. and Jalen Ramsey—was expected to shut down the Bengals’ receivers. Instead, Flacco carved them up, repeatedly exploiting slants and crossers. Controversial take: Did Pittsburgh’s defense underestimate Flacco, or was this a systemic failure in their game plan?
On the other side of the ball, the Bengals’ run game finally showed signs of life, with Chase Brown exploding for 108 yards on 11 carries, including runs of 28 and 37 yards. This ground success opened up intermediate routes and play-action opportunities, though Flacco’s passing prowess took center stage. Thought-provoking question: Can the Bengals maintain a balanced offense, or will they revert to their pass-heavy tendencies?
Despite the win, the Bengals’ defense remains a glaring concern. Missing 19 tackles and struggling to generate a pass rush without Trey Hendrickson, they allowed the Steelers to stay in the game. Bold statement: Until the defense steps up, the Bengals’ ceiling will remain limited, no matter how well Flacco plays.
The Steelers, meanwhile, shot themselves in the foot with critical miscues. A false start penalty on fourth-and-1 forced them to settle for a field goal, and an interception by Aaron Rodgers led to a quick Bengals touchdown. Controversial interpretation: Were the Steelers outplayed, or did they simply beat themselves?
Rodgers did lead a late comeback, connecting with Pat Freiermuth for a 68-yard go-ahead touchdown. However, the Steelers scored too quickly, leaving their defense little time to respond. Final thought-provoking question: Is Rodgers the long-term solution for the Steelers, or do they need a more consistent offensive approach?
As the dust settles on this thrilling matchup, one thing is clear: the Bengals have found a spark in Flacco, but both teams have work to do. What’s your take? Did the Bengals earn this win, or did the Steelers give it away? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
