5 winners (and 3 losers) for Steelers from Week 3's huge win over Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers defied all expectations in their 30-27 victory over the Bengals in Week 3, both good and bad. The offense scored more points in the first half (17) than they had in their first two games combined (16). The defense, meanwhile, struggled to keep Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow and company from moving the ball consistently after shining through two weeks.

Ultimately, though, a win is a win. Sure, Steelers fans would probably love to see a comfy win at some point, but they are used to watching them win in, uhh...less conventional ways.

That being said, there were some big-time performances we all got to witness in this game, as well as a few that we wish hadn't. Here are the winners and losers from the Steelers' thrilling victory over the Bengals.

Jaylen Warren, Asante Samuel Jr. headline Pittsburgh Steelers winners and loser from Week 3

Winner: Jaylen Warren

Where else could I start besides with Jaylen Warren? The Steelers star running back racked up 127 rushing yards on just 17 attempts, and he added another 49 yards on three receptions. That's a whopping 176 yards on just 20 touches. Other than not scoring a touchdown, Warren did just about everything a running back could do to help his team win against the Bengals.

Even though Rico Dowdle's injury is what forced the Steelers to use Warren as much as they did, they can't turn back now. Dowdle can still see the field to some degree, but Warren put any talks of who should lead this backfield to rest on Sunday.

Loser: Asante Samuel Jr.

Without Joey Porter Jr. for yet another week, the responsibility of matching up with the dynamic receiver duo of the Bengals, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, fell on veteran Asante Samuel Jr. The former Chargers draft pick acquitted himself well over the first two games of the season, but this was his first real test.

Unfortunately, like many other players on the Steelers' defense, he struggled to contain the Bengals' passing attack. He gave up multiple receptions, including a wild touchdown catch by Higgins late in the game.

To be fair, it's not like he got burned on that play. Higgins is a player who will do that to you from time to time. But he was seemingly benched at times for rookie Daylen Everette, signaling that the coaching staff wasn't happy with his play. He may get a chance to bounce back next week, especially if Porter is still not in the lineup.

Winner: Steelers new offensive line group

Pittsburgh's offensive line had seriously disappointed over the first two weeks of the season, allowing far too many unblocked pressures and losing quickly too often inside (looking at you, Spencer Anderson). With the offense struggling and few ways to really change things quickly, the Steelers did the one thing they could do: switch up the entire right side of the line.

Anderson and Dylan Cook out; Brock Hoffman and Max Iheanachor in. While neither new starter was perfect, Hoffman was a clear upgrade over the struggling (and injured) Anderson, while Iheanachor held up very well while displaying the athleticism that made him such a coveted prospect in the 2026 class.

It's just one game, but the difference was jarring to see. Let's hope they can keep it up.

Loser: Michael Pittman Jr.

Michael Pittman Jr. wasn't a disaster in this game by any means. He just wasn't impactful in the way he was in his first game as a Steeler, when he led the team in receiving against the Falcons with 58 yards. He caught just two of his five targets for 16 yards and was easily the least effective receiver on the field against the Bengals.

He is likely still dealing with the foot injury that forced him to miss Week 2, so I will cut him some slack for this week. However, he needs to be a more reliable target for Rodgers if he is going to be worth his contract.

Winner: Darnell Washington

Regardless of how effective it ultimately is, there aren't many things more exciting in the entire NFL than a Darnell Washington reception. Against the Bengals, he led the Steelers in receiving yards with 67, including a 47-yard catch-and-run that showcased the dominant tackle-breaking ability that makes him such a unique weapon.

Week 3's clash was only his second time leading the Steelers in receiving yards; he did it once before last year against the Bills. With any luck, Washington will continue to be a big part of the offense moving forward.

Loser: T.J. Watt

After two very strong games to start his 10th season, T.J. Watt was rendered useless as a pass rusher against Bengals right tackle Amarius Mims. In fairness to Watt, Mims has had a sensational start to his third season in the NFL. According to Pro Football Focus ($), he has yet to allow a pressure through three starts. Burrow also got rid of the ball at an Aaron Rodgers-esque pace, averaging just 2.55 to throw, according to PFF.

Still, it's a reminder that while Watt is still capable of being a game-wrecking force, certain matchups can still keep him from making a consistent impact on the game as a pass rusher.

Winner: Aaron Rodgers/Mike McCarthy pairing

Rodgers was far from perfect in this game, and he and McCarthy seemingly had serious communication issues that led to multiple wasted timeouts. But Week 3 was by far their best showing as a duo since they reunited in Pittsburgh, and some of the things they were doing could help keep this offense heading in the right direction.

Beyond the personnel changes on the offensive line, McCarthy dialed up some impressive plays in this game, perhaps most notably this nifty play to Ben Skowronek for the Steelers' second touchdown.

The first touchdown to Roman Wilson was also a nice design, lining him up as part of a bunch and running what was essentially a delayed slot fade for an easy touchdown. We need a lot more plays like that from this duo if they are going to succeed.

Winner: Derrick Harmon

Last, but certainly not least, Derrick Harmon had to be on this list of winners for the Steelers. Despite the defensive front largely being neutralized by the Bengals' quick passing game, when the game was on the line, Harmon stepped up. He physically dominated Bengals guard Dalton Risner with a bull rush before swimming past him to get the strip sack.

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