The Cincinnati Bengals went into Pittsburgh after the bye week and beat the Steelers, 37-30.
That means the Bengals are still very much in the hunt in the AFC as they move to 6-4. It also means the season series finished at a 1-1.
While there wasn’t much pretty about the win in the cold, Joe Burrow’s gutsy showing and some key lessons learned made for a memorable one.
Here’s a look at key notes and numbers from the contest.
Quick Hits
— The Cincinnati offense went nowhere on its first drive after getting the ball first, a drive hamstrung by a penalty. On the second, they remained committed to the run and at least got a field goal out of the effort.
— Drue Chrisman’s first punt after taking over for Kevin Huber was just a booming one inside the 20, the Steelers muffed it and dearly paid for it in field position. It sure felt like a sign.
— Fans can rest easy — the offensive line is coming together just fine. They showed that well enough on a scoring drive that ended with Samaje Perine in the endzone.
— But fans can’t rest easy about the defense. Seemingly endless chunk gains were permitted throughout the first half, which let a rookie like Kenny Pickett feel confident and keep things moving. So much so, after a Burrow pick, the Steelers managed a field goal just before halftime to take a 20-17 lead into the half.
— To their credit, the defense again came out properly adjusted and the unit put up a trio of three-and-outs to shutter the Steelers offense for much of the third quarter.
— It was Trenton Irwin (who else, right?) who hauled in the touchdown pass from Burrow in the third quarter after more remarkable plays from Tee Higgins.
— Joe Mixon, after a tremendous first half, was ruled out with a head injury.
— No, there isn’t a ton the Bengals can do about T.J. Watt’s interception at the line, something he did in Week 1, too. They can try mixups and different drops, but it’s no exaggeration to call Watt the likely best defender in the league. These things are going to happen, just like Ja’Marr Chase will get his.
— Bengals don’t win this one without some unexpected performances from Samaje Perine and Trenton Irwin. Just a sign of good depth after strong personnel moves.
Key Stat
302: Pittsburgh’s total yardage on the day before garbage time at about less than five yards per play. That’s a testament to the second-half defense after the slow start.
Game Balls
QB Joe Burrow: This is the sort of game that makes a great passer, great. Burow, without Ja’Marr Chase, had a solid performance in the cold against a strong defense. His interception numbers were inflated by an unreal T.J. Watt play (again). Otherwise, he was as smooth as the team could ask on the road in that situation.
WR Tee Higgins: The man sure proved he’s a No. 1 on most teams. He whipped a variety of coverages and looks on a variety of routes to put up big numbers (nine catches, 148 yards). Many of those were in critical moments.
RB Samaje Perine: Three receiving touchdowns for Perine in a superb display of what he can. What else needs said?
Top Takeaway
Critical: Season on the line, the Bengals went in and got it done. The offense made up for the defense’s sloppy second half. The team wasn’t flat out of a bye. Unexpected names made plays. That’s the key for a very cold mid-November game while hoping to stay in the playoff hunt. Misson accomplished.
