The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals squared off in Week 12, and both were coming off losses in Week 11. The biggest difference between the two teams was the Bengals coming off 10 days rest, while the Steelers were coming off a typical week. Nonetheless, the Bengals were without Joe Burrow, and the Steelers were without Matt Canada after firing their offensive coordinator this past week.

When the dust settled, it was the Steelers who started with the ball after the Bengals deferred their possession to the second half. The Steelers moved the ball down the field, but the drive stalled and they punted the ball away to the Bengals. Cincinnati’s first drive lasted only three plays until they sent the ball right back to the Pittsburgh offense.

The next Steelers drive saw the offense utilizing the middle of the field, and getting into the red-zone. On 2nd and 2, Kenny Pickett looked to hit Diontae Johnson for the touchdown, but the receiver wasn’t able to complete the catch and it was ruled incomplete. On the next play, Jaylen Warren fumbled while fighting for the first down, giving the ball back to the Bengals.

Cincinnati wasn’t able to do anything with the turnover, and the Steelers found themselves starting their third drive from their own 11-yard line. Big 3rd down conversions moved the ball into Cincinnati territory, but a drive finally ended in points. Was it a touchdown? No, it was a Chris Boswell field goal to make the score 3-0 with 12:39 remaining in the half.

The Steelers chose to kick it short, and a great return had the Bengals near midfield to start the drive. It took just a handful of plays before Cincinnati added points to their total, except theirs came by way of a touchdown. The score read 7-3 with 10:30 remaining in the second quarter.

Both teams exchanged several possessions before the teams went into halftime with the 7-3 score standing.

Cincinnati received the football to start the second half, and the Bengals took little time moving the ball into field goal range. However, when the field shortened, Browning’s pass intended for Ja’Marr Chase was intercepted by Trenton Thompson.

Trenton Thompson with the INT 🙌

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— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 26, 2023

Something the Steelers haven’t been able to do much this season is turn takeaways into points, but that’s exactly what happened on the ensuing drive.

Kenny Pickett continued to throw the ball Pat Freiermuth’s way, as the tight end went over 100 yards receiving, but when the offense hit the red-zone it was Najee Harris who capped off the impressive drive with a touchdown run.

.@ohthatsNajee22 in for 6️⃣

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— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 26, 2023

Chris Boswell’s extra point was good, making the score 10-7 with 1:34 remaining in the 3rd quarter.

Cincinnati wasn’t able to add to their total, and the Steelers offense took over at their own 20-yard line on their next drive. Pittsburgh’s offense continued to churn out successful 3rd down conversions, none larger than a 44 yard pass from Pickett to George Pickens to move the offense into field goal range. On 3rd and 6, a pass intended for Diontae Johnson fell incomplete, and the Steelers settled for another Boswell field goal to make the score 13-7 with 8:03 left in regulation.

A three-and-out by Browning and the Bengals gave the ball right back to the Steelers, and it was Najee Harris who took over. Back-to-back runs moved the ball into Cincinnati territory, and the Steelers drained the Cincinnati Bengals of their timeouts before Boswell came on the field and kicked a chip shot field goal to make the lead a two-score lead, 16-7.

Cincinnati was able to move the ball into Pittsburgh territory against the prevent defense, and settled for a field goal to make it a one-score game. At 16-10, the Bengals attempted an onsides kick, but failed when George Pickens recovered the ball cleanly. Out of the 2-minute warning, the Steelers were able to just kneel out the clock.

The win moves the Steelers record to 7-4 as they prepare for the Arizona Cardinals to invade Pittsburgh in Week 13. Be sure to stay tuned to SCN for the latest news and notes surrounding the Steelers as they press on throughout the regular season.