Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7) – Cincinnati Bengals (9-8) : 17-19
It wasn’t a game full of points, but the result is there for the Bengals: there remains a chance of going to the playoffs. However, we will have to count on a defeat for the Broncos and a defeat or a draw for the Dolphins.
But whatever happens, Cincinnati ends this season on a positive note with a close victory against their division rivals.
Joe Burrow (37/46, 277 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int) has often been undermined today. The quarterback, still in the race for MVP, conceded 4 sacks and was put under pressure many times. The absence of running back Chase Brown has not gone unnoticed.
Russell Wilson (17/31, 148 yards, 1 TD, 4 courses, 16 yards) did not particularly shine on the other side of the field either. Victim of 4 sacks as well, he struggled to get his team forward to score valuable points. In the end, it was the defenses that largely dominated this meeting. Special mention to Cam Heyward who managed to deflect or block many of Burrow’s passes today.
Solid defenses on the supports
Great start for the Bengals. In a perfect drive, Joe Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase for a 12-yard touchdown from the start. The Steelers were struggling. Russell Wilson is sacked by Trey Hendrickson on the third attempt and the ball is returned to the visitors (0-7).
Cincinnati takes the opportunity to take a little lead with a field goal. But the Steelers come back within range on a one-yard run from Najee Harris (7-10).
The Bengals pursue aggressively but are stopped on fourth attempt because of a pass deflected by Cam Heyward. Russell Wilson resumes on his 38 yards, without success.
Cincinnati does little better and returns in turn. Except that on this clearance, the ball slipped from the hands of Pittsburgh returner Calvin Austin. The Bengals recover and go on attack again. But Burrow was finally intercepted by Beanie Bishop at the opposing 17 yards.
Very close to halftime, the Steelers tried everything for everything. They take the risk of converting a fourth attempt and a yard 50 seconds before the break. But Cincy’s defense held strong. And Cade York adds three points before returning to the locker room (7-13).
Pittsburgh screws up its end of the match
After the break, Pittsburgh still couldn’t move forward. The Bengals, on the other hand, continue to gain points with two consecutive field goals (7-19).
In the fourth quarter, Russell Wilson finally gets there. He found Pat Freiermuth on a 19-yard pass for a touchdown (14-19). Pittsburgh is catching up.
A little later on a Cincinnati punt, the Steelers regained possession at the opposing 38 yards thanks to the tip of the foot of a Bengals player. But the visitors’ defense is not to be outdone and manages to contain Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh gets away with a field goal (17-19).
The Bengals, however, have a match ball in their hands. But Joe Burrow, victim of a sack on third attempt, must give way to the punt unit.
The Steelers have two minutes to eliminate their rivals from the playoff race. But Russell Wilson makes a bad decision by letting the clock run down dangerously after a race. Which ends up forcing Pittsburgh to use its final timeout while the field goal is still out of reach.
Russell Wilson finally attempts a 4th and 12 desperate yards with 12 seconds to go and fails. Cincinnati can still do the unthinkable and qualify for the playoffs.
