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The Steelers became the 21st Super Bowl-era team to start 9-0 after scoring a 36-10 victory over the visiting Bengals on Sunday. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for 333 yards with four touchdown passes, propelling Pittsburgh to its 11th straight victory over Cincinnati (2-6-1).
Roethlisberger’s touchdown tally on Sunday was his highest in a game since landing five touchdown passes in Pittsburgh’s win over Carolina in Week 10 of the 2018 season. For his career, Roethlisberger has a 26-7 against the Bengals and 22-2 against rookie quarterbacks. Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been sacked four times as he recorded his third lowest pass production of the season. Two of those sacks were from TJ Watt, who led the Steelers defense that kept the Bengals 0 of 13 on the third down.
Shed 12-0 in the first quarter, the Bengals found the dirt after Burrow hit teammate Tee Higgins on a two-yard pass on fourth base. Pittsburgh responded with back-to-back practices that included an eight-yard touchdown pass from Roethlisberger to JuJu Smith-Schuster. Roethlisberger threw for 243 yards in the first half, while Diontae Johnson caught six passes for 116 yards in the first half, including his 12-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
The Steelers put an end to any hope of a Bengals return when Roethlisberger’s 11-yard touchdown pass to Claypool capped a 12-game practice in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, a 45-yard punt return by Ray-Ray McCloud allowed Claypool to score the second touchdown, a five-yard pass from Roethlisberger. Cincinnati closed the scoring with a Randy Bullock basket that was set up by the 39-yard run from safety Shaun Williams on a false punt.
Here’s a look at how Pittsburgh managed to stay undefeated.
Why the Steelers won
Pittsburgh enjoyed a vintage performance from Roethlisberger, who only trained on Saturday after spending the week on Pittsburgh’s reserve / COVID-19 roster. Roethlisberger, who is one of the favorites to win the Returning Player of the Year, has thrown over 300 yards for the second straight week and third time this season. In nine games, Roethlisberger threw 22 touchdowns against just four interceptions.
The Steelers defense played down Joe Burrow’s downline success, as Burrow was often forced to check and settle for short completions. The Pittsburgh defense also featured a dominant effort, led by Watt, fellow outside linebacker Bud Dupree and cornerback Joe Haden.
However, the Steelers’ running game continues to be a cause for concern for Pittsburgh, as the Steelers rushed under 50 yards for a third straight game.
Why the Bengals lost
Cincinnati’s offense fell from 0 of 11 to third in the first three quarters of the game. Cincinnati again relied too much on Burrow, who attempted at least 40 passes for the fourth time this season. The Bengals offense capitalized on another solid statistic game from Higgins, who caught seven passes for 115 yards and a touchdown that included a 54-yard pass to prepare for the Bengals’ only touchdown.
While they were able to keep the Steelers to two opening goals from the field, the Bengals’ defense was unable to maintain their early success against Pittsburgh’s formidable passing offense. The Cincinnati special teams also had a night to forget, suffering a lost fumble in the first quarter (which led to Pittsburgh’s first points, a 41-yard basket by Chris Boswell) and allowing McCloud to return 45 yards in the fourth. quarter. They saved face somewhat when Williams took the team’s false punt late in the game.
Turning
After allowing a touchdown in the second quarter, the Steelers responded with back-to-back punches to take a 15-point lead at halftime. A big play during that streak was Claypool’s 15-yard capture on a third and six plays that led to Johnson’s touchdown reception. Pittsburgh never came under serious threat again, extending their lead to 22 points midway through the third quarter.
Game games
Each of Roethlisberger’s touchdown passes was impressive, but his third quarter touchdown pass to Claypool took the cake. Roethlisberger had to thread the needle between several defenders, while Claypool managed to make the difficult hold in traffic. Sixth receiver in the 2020 draft, Claypool now has nine touchdowns in nine games.
But let’s not forget Higgins’ 54-yard capture, which was the longest part of the game for either team. The catch also set up its touchdown in the second quarter.
Higgins finished the game with 115 yards on seven receptions. The fourth receiver selected in this year’s draft, Higgins is poised to break through the 1,000-yard receiving barrier for the season.
To quote
“We’re a balanced group. We can give it to you however you want. If you want to pack a group of people on the line of scrimmage, then we’re going to throw it. You play two high safeties, we are able to do that. to function. And that’s what I mean when I say we strive to be a balanced group. We want to be able to make it move, however, regardless of our choice or maybe over-commitments. defenses that dictate him OK with that too. “- Steelers coach Mike Tomlin when asked if he was a bit concerned about the Pittsburgh running game
“I just played really poorly in the second half. I missed a lot of shots that I usually do, and that was the game. I missed a lot of shots in the second half.” – Burrow on what the Steelers defense did to be successful against him
And after
The Steelers will travel to Jacksonville for a clash between two former AFC Central rivals. The Jaguars fell to 1-8 after losing a close game at Green Bay on Sunday. Cincinnati will travel to face Washington, who fell to 2-7 after their failed return to Detroit. In the loss, Washington received a stellar game from quarterback Alex Smith, whose 390 passing yards helped Washington tie the score 16 seconds to go after 24-3.
To relive Sunday’s Bengals-Steelers action in real time, check out our live shot below.
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