Coach Mike McCarthy and veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers showed why experience matters when the Steelers faced the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. After a rough loss to New England, Rodgers rebounded with 292 passing yards and three touchdowns, guiding Pittsburgh to a 30‑27 win that kept the team at 2‑1.
Key moments
Rodgers completed 19 of 34 attempts, including a 47‑yard catch‑and‑run to tight end Darnell Washington that set up Chris Boswell’s go‑ahead 33‑yard field goal with 2:18 left on the clock. The Steelers amassed 411 total yards against a revamped Bengals defense that had looked promising early in the season.
Running back Jaylen Warren, despite a sore shoulder, contributed 176 all‑purpose yards—127 on the ground and 49 receiving—providing crucial balance to the offense. A late‑game fumble by Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, forced by defensive lineman Derrick Harmon and recovered by Sebastian Joseph‑Day, thwarted Cincinnati’s chance to claim its first 3‑0 start since 2015.
Coaches’ perspectives
McCarthy praised the team’s resilience, saying, “Resilience is critical to any type of success, whether it’s playing a division game or overcoming a loss last week.” Rodgers echoed that sentiment, noting the offense finally settled down and executed its assignments.
On the Bengals side, coach Zac Taylor lamented missed opportunities, calling the game “one where we had our chances. Pittsburgh took advantage of theirs. We didn’t take advantage of ours.” A roughing‑the‑punter penalty in the third quarter extended a Steelers drive that ended with a touchdown pass to DK Metcalf.
Defensive highlights
Both defenses had moments, but Pittsburgh’s unit held firm in the final minute. After a Bengals drive reached Steelers territory, Harmon’s collision with Burrow forced a fumble, and Joseph‑Day’s quick reaction prevented a game‑tying score.
Steelers safety Brandin Eichols was evaluated for a possible concussion after a collision during a botched punt return, but he remained in the game.
Looking ahead
The victory gives the Steelers confidence after an ugly showing against the Patriots, where Rodgers was sacked four times. Rookie right tackle Max Iheanachor, a first‑round pick, earned praise for adding physicality to the line.
Next week, Pittsburgh travels to Cleveland for a Thursday night showdown, while the Bengals head to Jacksonville.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
