CINCINNATI -- While they didn't light up the scoreboard, the Pittsburgh Steelers' offense looked significantly better in Sunday's 16-10 win over the rival Cincinnati Bengals. The victory moved the Steelers to 7-4, while the Bengals fell to 5-6.
With assistant coaches Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan sharing offensive coordinator duties, the Steelers out-gained their opponent for the first time this season. They also gained over 400 total yards for the first time since the 2020 playoffs. Kenny Pickett had success all day throwing to tight end Pat Freiermuth, who caught nine passes for 120 yards. Pittsburgh's running game gashed Cincinnati's 31st-ranked run defense to the tune of 156 yards. The success on the ground was largely set up by Pickett, who went 24 of 33 for 278 yards that included completions to eight different teammates. Half of those completions went to Pittsburgh's tight ends, led by Freiermuth.
Despite its success on offense, Pittsburgh trailed 7-3 at halftime after Jake Browning hit Drew Sample for an 11-yard score less than five minutes into the second quarter. The momentum swung for good on Trenton Thompson's pick of Browning with the Bengals threatening to add to their lead early in the third quarter. The interception ignited a 14-play, 79-yard drive by Pittsburgh's offense that was capped off by Najee Harris' game-winning touchdown run.
Pittsburgh followed that drive with a pair of drives that ended on Chris Boswell field goals. Cincinnati responded with a field goal, but the Steelers ended any hopes of a comeback after they recovered the ensuing onside kick.
Here's a closer look at the Steelers' win in the Queen City.
Why the Steelers won
Pittsburgh's improved offense was a big reason why Mike Tomlin's team won in Cincinnati for a second straight year. The unit had more balance that it's had all season, with as many passes (33) as rushing attempts. Big plays were also a big reason for the unit's success -- the Steelers had six plays of at least 20 yards.
Complementary football was also a key component of the win. The Steelers' offense capitalized on Thompson's pick by putting together the game-winning drive. It was the first of three consecutive scoring drives by the Steelers offense, who also received two quick stops by the defense over that span.
Defensively, the Steelers sacked Browning four times with half of those coming from T.J. Watt, who on Sunday joined Reggie White as the only two players in league history to record 90 sacks in their first 100 games.
Why the Bengals lost
The answer to this one is simple: no Joe Burrow. This game could have easily gone in a different direction if Burrow was healthy and in uniform. But Cincinnati just isn't the same team without him. Not having Tee Higgins and standout cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (who were also injured) didn't help matters.
Injuries aside, the Bengals' offense was responsible for the game's critical turnover. They were also just 2 of 10 on third down.
Turning point/play of the game
Thompson's pick changed the trajectory of the game. With the Bengals in position to add to their 7-3 lead, Thompson's pick while covering Chase in Pittsburgh's red zone gave possession back to the Steelers' offense. Pittsburgh then proceeded to score on its next three drives.
Quotable
"We know we're capable of putting that kind of offense out there every week. We just weren't able to do it the previous weeks. It feels good to come together like that and put out a great game." -- Pickett
What's next
The Steelers will play the Cardinals next Sunday in the first of two consecutive home games. Pittsburgh will then host New England (2-9) five days later on "Thursday Night Football."
Cincinnati will face the Jaguars in Jacksonville (8-3) on Thursday night football. Led by Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars have continued to roll this season; Doug Pederson's team is current atop the AFC South standings after edging the Texans on Sunday.