The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a disappointing defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals, losing 33-31 in a thrilling game. This result was significant, emphasizing that the Steelers aren’t dominating the AFC North as expected.
Key Takeaways from Steelers’ Disheartening Division Loss to Bengals
1. Scoring Breakdown
The Steelers scored 30 points, which typically guarantees victory in the NFL. However, this was not the case on Thursday night. Historically, Pittsburgh had a strong record, winning their last six games when scoring at least 30 points. Their last loss under these circumstances was against the Bengals in November 2022.
2. Tight End Triumphs
- Four touchdown passes from Aaron Rodgers were thrown to tight ends.
- Pat Freiermuth caught two of these touchdowns, while Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington each caught one.
- This marked only the second occurrence in NFL history where three tight ends scored in a single game.
3. Missed Opportunities
In the first half, the Steelers had promising chances to extend their lead. Leading 7-0 and applying defensive pressure, they had a touchdown negated by a holding penalty. Following this, a failed fourth-down attempt impeded their momentum.
After these setbacks, Cincinnati’s offense surged, scoring on seven of their last eight possessions. This shift illustrated how critical those missed opportunities were.
4. Ja’Marr Chase’s Record Night
Ja’Marr Chase was a central figure in the game, receiving a remarkable 23 targets, setting a new record for Steelers opponents. He caught 16 passes for 161 yards and scored a touchdown, demonstrating exceptional performance.
Chase’s targets matched the third-most in NFL history, showcasing his importance in Cincinnati’s strategy.
5. Player Snap Insights
- For the tight ends, Smith had the most snaps at 40, followed closely by Freiermuth with 37 and Washington with 36.
- Rookie Roman Wilson played significant time in his role as the No. 2 wide receiver due to injuries among the starters.
- Running back Jaylen Warren was featured prominently, aligning with his gameplay over 37 snaps, while Kenneth Gainwell was used for 22 snaps.
This game highlighted crucial statistics and decisions that contributed to the Steelers’ performance. Moving forward, addressing these issues will be essential for their success in the division.
