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Steelers Upended by Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool falls in the endzone in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 21, 2020 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

CINCINNATI (GSM) — An a time where the Steelers had the opportunity to win the AFC North division and guarantee cushion heading into the postseason, they lost to a team with 2 wins.

To Steeler fans (and most players and coaches), the stage was set, bounce back from a 2-game losing streak, beat the division’s last place Bengals, go into the playoffs and win the Super Bowl. Easy, right? Well, not so fast. The most recent loss — part a three game losing streak — showed that the “Black-n-Gold” has more issues than you may think. 

  • Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive End Stephon Tuitt (#91) sacks Cincinnati Bengals’ Quarterback Ryan Finley on December 21, 2020 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

Pittsburgh went into Cincinnati and struggled from the beginning of the game Monday night and lost to the Bengals who started Ryan Finley, a 3rd-string quarterback. The final score 27-17. 

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin during the matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on December 21, 2020 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

In his weekly press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin said, “We’re not a good football group right now and so we understand the consequences that come with that, we’re working on a short week, we’ve got to be better than what we’ve been and that’s just the reality of it.”

In week 16, the Steelers (11-3) host the Indianapolis Colts (10-4) Sunday at Heinz Field.

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Associated Press Announces All-Pro Players; 3 Steelers Make the Cut

PITTSBURGH (GSM) — Three members of the Pittsburgh Steelers have been named to the Associated Press All-Pro team for 2019.

This honor means you’re the best at your position for that season, and there is one player for each position (22 players) honored each year. This year TJ Watt (edge rusher), Steelers linebacker TJ Watt sacks Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

Cam Heyward (interior lineman)

Cam Heyward defensive end for the Pittsburgh Steelers (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

and Minkah Fitzpatrick (safety) were selected.

Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

 

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Steelers Beat Bengals, Improve to 1-3

Steelers Quarterback Mason Rudolph drops back to pass in a winning effort against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2019 at Heinz Field. (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

PITTSBURGH (GSM) – The Steelers check the box in the win category!

The Cincinnati Bengals went into Heinz Field winless as were the Steelers prior to the Monday Night matchup. Both teams were 0 and 3 and in need of a victory, especially against opponents in the AFC North division. Pittsburgh, however was relentless against the Bengals sacking quarterback Andy Dalton 8 times in the game, setting a precedent early and not letting up. The final score was Pittsburgh 27 Cincinnati 3. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin after the game said, “In an effort for us to be at our best, it takes collaborative work in all three phases to produce an environment where your strengths get an opportunity to show. And it was able to show tonight.” Tomlin’s team rallied around 2nd year quarterback Mason Rudolph who was awarded the team ball.

Rudolph getting his first win as a starter didn’t disappoint in the statistical category. He completed 24 of 28 passes for 229 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. His quarterback rating was 124.6 which is the league’s 3rd highest for week 4, only behind Philip Rivers of the LA Chargers and Tennessee Titans QB Marcus Mariota. Rudolph clearly excited about his first win as a pro but seemed to remain humble calling it a group effort. “It’s great. Unbelievable team win.” Rudolph said. “A lot of leadership in the locker room and guys that know how to win and guys who have won a lot of games in their careers. We stuck together all week even with the rough start. Our message all week was stack one and then start stacking more. That is the plan moving forward and we have a heck of a group of guys that are going to do that.”

Steelers Running Back James Conner carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)
Running back James Conner, who scored a touchdown in the game holds his teammates — especially the defense — in high regard saying, “I think our defense started it off. The defense created a turnover early and those big sacks on third down. Just playing off each other – the momentum.”

Rookie wide receiver Diontae Johnson scored his second touchdown this season and received his first win as a professional player. He caught a 43-yard strike from Rudolph in the 3rd quarter.

Diontae Johnson scores a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 30, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)
The Steelers have back-to-back home games and are already preparing to face another AFC North rival in the Baltimore Ravens Sunday.
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Antonio Bids Pittsburgh Farewell

Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown scores the game winning touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 14, 2018 at Paul Brown Stadium. (Marlon Martin / Golden Sky Media)

PITTSBURGH (GSM) — Still under contract, the Steelers’ number one receiver has made it known that he wants out of Pittsburgh.

Antonio Brown was drafted in the 6th round (pick #195) in 2010 and during his time as the Steelers’ biggest playmaker, he has made significant strides in the team’s success. There has reportedly been a difference of opinion and lack of communication between parties with Brown skipping the final game of the season due to a knee injury.

Update: Brown  expressed his feelings quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in several exchanges with fans on his twitter page, saying the QB had an, “owner’s mentality.”

Roethlisberger has yet to respond publicly.

Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown celebrate after a touchdown at Heinz Field. (Brian Cook / Golden Sky Media)