The Pittsburgh Steelers hosted the Cincinnati Bengals following a blowout loss to the New England Patriots. The Steelers did not let that get them down, though, as they ended up beating the Bengals 30-27 after scoring just three points against the Patriots. With that win, the Steelers improve to 2-1 on the season and look to continue getting better throughout the season. Now, let’s look at what went right for the Steelers following their Week 3 win over the Bengals.
How the Steelers Beat the Bengals and What’s Ahead
Offense Finds Their Rhythm
The Steelers defense did not win this game like they usually do; the offense looked incredible and it was enough to give the Steelers the win. Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers offense scored 14 points in the first quarter for the first time since 2019 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Rodgers threw for over 100 passing yards in the first quarter, and the Steelers had their best offensive performance of the season yet. Rodgers finished the game just shy of 300 passing yards, with 292 and three touchdown passes.
The run game also looked better, as Jaylen Warren rushed for 127 and showed that he can step up with Rico Dowdle sidelined. The Steelers rarely make big explosive running plays, but this game showed that if the offensive line can block, then they can make plays offensively.
Credit to the Offensive Line
While the offense was incredible, you need an offensive line to block. The Steelers have had struggles with their offensive line for years, but they looked like an entirely different unit out there against the Bengals. One major change was the Steelers giving rookie Max Iheanachor, whom they drafted in the first round, a chance to start, and he made his presence known.
Rodgers had more time to throw, and the running game looked much improved, but without an offensive line, none of that would have been possible, as the line struggled last week and they only scored three points. If this offensive line can continue to play at this level, then there is no excuse for the Steelers to not put points up on the board.
Defense Shows Up When It Matters, Again
It is nothing to panic that the Steelers gave up 27 points to a good Bengals offense. There are going to be games where the defense struggles, and that is why it is so important that the offense showed up. What matters is the Steelers’ defense came up clutch again, but this time obviously the offense did not rely on the defense without contributing.
The Bengals had a chance to win when they were losing 30-27, but Derrick Harmon came up with a big strip-sack that forced a fumble, and the Steelers recovered the ball to win. The defense always seems to win the Steelers game but this was the Steelers’ best offensive game in some time. With the defense doing their job, the Steelers were able to beat their division rivals and bounce back after a blowout loss.
The Steelers improved to 2-1 this year and will travel to Cleveland to take on the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football this week. The Steelers looked like a competitive team again and look to now win two in a row. Do you think the Steelers offense can continue performing at this level or was that just one breakout game?
Main Image: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
