Joe Sargent/Getty Images
Despite their best efforts to give it away, the Cincinnati Bengals managed to secure a crucial must-win victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Joe Burrow and the Bengals notched their fifth straight victory, edging out Russell Wilson and the Steelers 19-17 in a tightly contested matchup on Saturday at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
Burrow connected on 37-of-46 passes for 277 yards, one touchdown and one interception, improving the Bengals’ record to 9-8 and keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Sitting third in the AFC North, the Bengals will need a couple of things to happen on Sunday to make the playoffs:
- The Kansas City Chiefs must beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday
- The Miami Dolphins must lose or tie against the New York Jets on Sunday
The Steelers endured a heartbreaking end to what nearly turned into an incredible comeback, falling to 10-7, though they’ve already clinched a wild card spot. Wilson gave his all, finishing 17-of-31 for 148 yards and one touchdown.
Fans were more than impressed with Burrow and his grit, along with the Bengals, holding their breath as the team clings to their playoff hopes:
Robert Griffin III @RGIII
MASSIVE SHOUTOUT to Joe Burrow. Team was 1-4 and then 4-8 with NOBODY BUT THEY MOMMA giving them a chance to make the playoffs. They fought back to win 5 straight and finish the season 9-8. Burrow threw for 4,918 yards, 43 TDs and Ja’Marr Chase had 1,708 yards receiving, 17 TDS.… pic.twitter.com/70IFV3heSb
Ari Meirov @MySportsUpdate
Final 2024 regular season stats for #Bengals QB Joe Burrow
• 460/652
• 4,918 passing yards
• 43 passing TDs
• 9 INTs pic.twitter.com/59mV68CvMq
MLFootball @_MLFootball
THE BEST QUARTERBACK IN THE #NFL.#Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow was DOMINANT in the 2024 season.
• 460 of 652
• 70% completion percentage
• 4,918 passing yards
• 43 passing TOUCHDOWNS
• 108.5 passer rating
• 5-game winning streak to end the season, must win
INSANE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/pDWSSGxa4O
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter
Bengals are likely to end the season with league leaders in multiple categories:
🏈Passing yards and TDs: Joe Burrow (4,918 yards, 42 TDs)
🏈Receptions, receiving yards, and TDs (the WR Triple Crown): Ja’Marr Chase (127 catches, 1,708 yards, 17 TDs)
🏈Sacks: Trey… pic.twitter.com/Q2P7al9WH6
A fast start proved to be crucial for the Bengals, as they scored ten points in the first quarter while holding the Steelers scoreless. Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase got the ball rolling with a 12-yard touchdown reception from Burrow just inside the 10-minute mark. Kicker Cade York added three points to the team’s total just before the end of the first quarter.
Najee Harris opened the scoring for the Steelers with a one-yard rush in the second quarter to stop the bleeding.
Despite an interception by Burrow with 1:13 left before halftime, the Steelers turned it over on downs and York and the Bengals capitalized, knocking down another field goal to take a 13-7 lead at halftime.
After halftime, both teams faced difficulty finding the end zone, with the only points of the third quarter coming from Cincinnati. Kicker Cade York connected on a 35-yard field goal, and he opened the fourth quarter with another three points, extending the Bengals’ lead.
With a 19-7 lead early in the fourth, the Steelers mounted a comeback, beginning with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Wilson to Pat Freiermuth, narrowing the gap to 19-14.
With 5:25 left in the fourth quarter, the Bengals muffed a punt, which was recovered by Steelers tight end Connor Heyward, giving Pittsburgh another chance to take the lead. Failing to score a touchdown on the turnover, the Steelers settled for a 54-yard field goal by Chris Boswell.
The Steelers held Cincinnati to a three-and-out but turned the ball over on 4th-and-12 after tight end Pat Freiermuth failed to catch a pass from Wilson. This left the Bengals with 15 seconds to kneel and run out the clock, sealing the victory.
The Bengals will certainly be anxiously waiting their fate on Sunday to see if they can secure a spot in the postseason.
