Following their narrow defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin faced a pivotal moment. The Steelers lost to the Bengals 33-31, marking their first AFC North loss of the season. This defeat illuminated some of Tomlin’s concerns, particularly regarding quarterback Joe Flacco, who recently joined the Bengals from Cleveland.
Joe Flacco’s Impact on the Game
Joe Flacco, the Bengals’ quarterback, showcased an impressive performance, completing 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns. His passer rating was a notable 108.6. Flacco, now with a record of 13 wins against the Steelers, added to Tomlin’s worries.
Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase also had a stellar night, catching 16 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. Tee Higgins contributed significantly as well with six receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown.
Steelers’ Defensive Struggles
- The Steelers’ defense allowed 470 total yards.
- They failed to create turnovers, achieving only two sacks throughout the match.
- Top players like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward struggled to make a significant impact.
The Steelers’ run defense had been erratic, previously allowing 418 rushing yards over three games, but against the Bengals, they conceded 142 rushing yards. Cincinnati’s Chase Brown led with 108 rushing yards, marking a significant improvement for their run game.
Offensive Frustrations
The Steelers started well, scoring on their opening drive. However, an attempted flea-flicker was executed poorly, stalling a promising second drive. Even though they initially led 10-0, the offense faltered, failing to build on that momentum.
In another misstep, the Steelers attempted a ‘tush push’ play on a crucial fourth-and-1, reminiscent of a successful strategy used in Ireland, but this time it did not yield the desired results.
Pennalty Issues Affecting Performance
The Steelers entered the game among the most penalized teams, and this game continued that trend. They recorded seven penalties, with six occurring in the first half. The penalties hampered their efforts, particularly highlighting issues within the defensive unit.
In summary, the Steelers’ defeat against the Bengals not only raised questions about their defense but also about their offensive strategies. With concerns mounting, Tomlin must address these issues as they move forward in the 2025 season.
