The recent Thursday night showdown featured an unexpected offensive burst between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. Dubbed the “Icy Hot Bowl” and “Unc Bowl” due to the veteran quarterbacks at the helm, the game concluded with the Bengals edging out a thrilling 33–31 victory.
Flacco’s Smiling Reflection
After the game, Joe Flacco, quarterback for the Bengals, joined ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt on SportsCenter. He humorously shared his thoughts on his matchup with Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Flacco expressed, “It was a lot of fun to go against Aaron today. I don’t think I’ve ever beat him head-to-head.” This victory marked a personal milestone for Flacco, who had a previous record of 0–3 against Rodgers.
Revisiting Their Rivalry
The two quarterbacks have faced each other infrequently, mainly due to their longstanding positions in different conferences. However, now as divisional rivals, fans can anticipate more matchups in the future. Their next encounter is set to happen in just a few weeks, health permitting.
A Night of Touchdowns
The game showcased exceptional performances from both quarterbacks. Rodgers threw four touchdown passes, impressing fans with two key throws to tight end Pat Freiermuth. His most notable attempt was a powerful Hail Mary, which traveled nearly 70 yards—recorded as the longest throw since 2017, according to Next Gen Stats.
Flacco’s Bengals Shine
On the other side, Flacco ignited the potential of the Bengals’ receiving corps. Star receiver Ja’Marr Chase set a franchise record with 16 receptions during the game. Additionally, Flacco demonstrated versatility by executing a read option play that added an impressive first down, showcasing agility reminiscent of a much younger athlete.
Veteran Quarterbacks Making an Impact
Both the Steelers’ acquisition of Rodgers and the Bengals’ mid-season signing of Flacco were strategic moves aimed at enhancing their playoff chances. With solid team cores in place, the addition of experienced quarterbacks was intended to elevate their performance while minimizing turnovers.
Looking Ahead
Despite the outcome, both teams can take positive lessons from the game. The Steelers will aim to reclaim their pride in an upcoming rematch against the Bengals in Pittsburgh within four weeks.
