Steelers vs Pittsburgh (10-7) – Bengals vs Cincinnati (9-8): 17-19
It wasn’t a game full of points, but the result is there for the Bengals: there is still a chance to go 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 no matter what happens, Cincinnati ends this season on a high note with a close victory over its division rivals.
Joe Burrow (37/46, 277 yards, 1 TD, 1 Int) has often been undermined today. The quarterback, still in the race for the MVP title, conceded 4 sacks and was put under pressure on several occasions. The absence of running back Chase Brown has not gone unnoticed.
Russell Wilson (17/31, 148 yards, 1 TD, 4 parcours, 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.
Strong defenses on supports
Good start for the Bengals. In a perfect drive, Joe Burrow found Ja’Marr Chase for a 12-yard touchdown right off the bat. The Steelers were in trouble. 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 the fourth attempt because of a pass deflected by Cam Heyward. Russell Wilson resumes on his 38 yards, without success.
Cincinnati does little better and comes back in turn. Except that on this punt, the ball slipped from the hands of Pittsburgh returner Calvin Austin. The Bengals recover and go on the attack again. But Burrow was finally intercepted by Beanie Bishop at the opposing 17 yards.
As halftime approached, the Steelers tried everything. They take the risk of converting a fourth attempt and a meter 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 rate sa fin de match
After the break, Pittsburgh still couldn’t move forward. The Bengals, however, 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 visiting defense is not to be outdone and manages to contain Russell Wilson. Pittsburgh escapes thanks to a field goal (17-19).
The Bengals, however, have a match ball in their hands. But Joe Burrow, victim of a sack on the third attempt, must give way to the punt.
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 last timeout while the field goal is still out of reach.
Russell Wilson finally tries a 4th and 12 desperate yards with 12 seconds left and fails. Cincinnati can still do the unthinkable and make the playoffs.
