In a primetime AFC North showdown on October 16, the Cincinnati Bengals snapped a four-game losing streak with a thrilling 33–31 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. The game, filled with drama, momentum swings, and a clutch finish, marked a turning point for a Bengals team that had been reeling and it came on the arm of 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco.
Flacco, making just his third start for the Bengals this season, was in vintage form. He completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns, outdueling 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, who had four touchdown passes of his own but also threw two costly interceptions. The matchup of two 40 year old quarterbacks made for compelling viewing, but it was Flacco’s poise that carried the day.
“I’m really proud of our guys,” said Bengals head coach Zac Taylor after the win. “We’ve sat in this locker room for the last four weeks and talked about it… They’ve just kept plugging along and they’ve known that we’re close in these games.”
— Bengals.com
Cincinnati fell behind early, trailing 10–0 in the first quarter. But after a crucial 8-yard touchdown pass from Flacco to Ja’Marr Chase, the Bengals’ first touchdown in five games, the offense came alive. Chase finished with a franchise-record 16 receptions for 161 yards and a score, while Tee Higgins added 96 yards and a touchdown of his own. Rookie running back Chase Brown also provided a major spark, rushing for 108 yards his second 100-yard game this season.
On the Steelers’ side, Aaron Rodgers had his moments, connecting twice with tight end Pat Freiermuth and twice with Darnell Washington. A late 68-yard touchdown to Freiermuth gave Pittsburgh a 31–30 lead with just under three minutes remaining. But it wasn’t enough.
Flacco calmly led the Bengals on an eight-play, 52-yard drive, setting up Evan McPherson’s game-winning 36-yard field goal with seven seconds left.
“Last week, it seemed we had finally figured out how it was going to be with Flacco and the offensive line,” said wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase. “And today we showed what we’re capable of.”
— CBS Sports
Defensively, Cincinnati made key plays when it mattered. Safety Jordan Battle and cornerback DJ Turner II each picked off Rodgers, shifting momentum before halftime. While the Steelers racked up big yards on the ground, Jaylen Warren rushed for 127 yards, their defense couldn’t slow down Flacco or Chase in crunch time.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin was candid in his postgame remarks:
“A tough, hard-fought game, but certainly have got to give credit to those guys, the Bengals. They did what was required to win. They made a few more plays than we did,” Tomlin said.
— Steelers.com
The win improves the Bengals to 3–4 and keeps their playoff hopes alive, while the Steelers drop to 4–2, surrendering their grip on first place in the AFC North. For Cincinnati, the performance not only ends a painful losing streak but also gives hope that their season can still be salvaged with Flacco at the helm.
As the Bengals head into Week 8, confidence is on the rise and with stars like Jamarr Chase and Tee Higgins stepping up, there’s belief that the turnaround has truly begun.
