In a thrilling Thursday Night Football matchup, the Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 on a field goal by Evan McPherson with just seven seconds remaining. The victory snapped a four-game losing streak for the Bengals and marked the Steelers’ first road loss of the season.
The game was a back-and-forth contest that saw multiple lead changes. Pittsburgh started strong, building a 10-0 lead with a touchdown from Jonnu Smith. However, Cincinnati responded with scores from Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, taking a 20-10 advantage by halftime. The Steelers fought back in the second half, with Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington finding the end zone to keep the game tight.
A key storyline was the duel between veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers, both over 40 years old. Flacco, who joined the Bengals just nine days earlier in a trade, threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, showcasing his experience and poise. Rodgers, on the other hand, passed for 249 yards and four touchdowns but was intercepted twice, which proved costly for Pittsburgh.
Ja’Marr Chase was instrumental for the Bengals, recording 16 receptions for 161 yards and consistently making big plays. His performance, along with contributions from Tee Higgins and Noah Fant, helped Cincinnati maintain offensive momentum. For the Steelers, tight ends Jonnu Smith and Pat Freiermuth were effective, with Freiermuth scoring twice to keep his team in contention.
The final minutes were dramatic. After Freiermuth’s second touchdown put the Steelers ahead 31-30 late in the fourth quarter, Flacco led a decisive drive to set up McPherson for the game-winning field goal. McPherson, who had already made three field goals in the game, calmly connected from yards to secure the win for Cincinnati.
This result has significant implications for both teams. The Bengals, now 3-4, gain much-needed confidence and stay in the hunt in the competitive AFC North division. The Steelers, dropping to 4-2, face questions about their road performance and ability to close out games, though they remain well-positioned for the playoffs.
The game highlighted the impact of Flacco’s acquisition, providing stability at quarterback for Cincinnati after recent struggles. It also underscored the rarity and excitement of two elite quarterbacks in their 40s facing off, adding to the NFL’s narrative this season. Looking ahead, both teams will need to build on this experience as they navigate the remainder of the schedule, with this dramatic win likely to be a turning point for the Bengals.