Week 15: Steelers at Bengals
The Steelers head into the late-season matchup with the Bengals 8-5 and confident considering the early dominance they displayed in week 10 (they won 30-7, sacking Burrow seven times and picking him off twice). A win here keeps them alive in the division and locks up a playoff berth. However, the game goes sideways fast, as the Bengals don’t win the game, but the Steelers lose it.
While the sacks are still there (Highsmith has been on a tear and is seeing more playing time on the defense) with 4 total, the rest of the team can’t seem to get things working. The defense lets easy plays get past them to move the chains and the offense is anemic. Conner is out with a hamstring injury, and Snell can’t get the job done on his own. While McFarland shows some pop with 8 rushes for 45 yards, Snell logs 10 carries for 24 yards.
Roethlisberger struggles as well, turning the ball over 3 times and missing some wide-open throws. The team as a whole can’t find the endzone and only put up points due to two field goals from Boswell. The Bengals score off of a Burrow scramble and add a field goal to win 10-6. The Steelers are shocked and shoot their playoff chances in the foot.