Cincinnati, OH — The Steelers record is 0-2 to start the season for the first time since 2002. Coming into Cincinnati as the underdog, the Steelers offense once again struggled and the defense had trouble in shutting down both the pass and run game, losing the game 20-10.
Pittsburgh was set up with good field position to start their second possession of the game thanks to a big punt return from Antonio Brown. Shaun Suisham was able to knock through a 44-yard field goal to give the Steelers an early 3-0 lead. They started their next possession at their own 3-yard line, and drove down to the red zone, before the drive was eventually ended short due to a David Paulson fumble. The Bengals got the ball back and responded with a 7-yard touchdown run from Giovani Bernard.
Late in the first half, the Steelers trailed 10-3, but were able to tie the game up at 10-10 after a successful drive. After Ben Roethlisberger picked up over 60 yards on two passes to Emmanuel Sanders, the Steelers scored their first touchdown of the game on a 1-yard touchdown pass to Derek Moye.
Midway through the third quarter, the Bengals again took the lead on the shoulders of Bernard. After catching a short pass in the middle of the field, the rookie running back took it 27 yards to the house to give the Bengals a 17-10 lead. A couple of possessions later, the Bengals tacked on a field goal to make it a 20-10 game.
The Steelers were driving and had a late shot to put some points on the board, but it was ended short due to an interception on a tipped pass in the red zone.
Andy Dalton finished the night with 280 passing yards, while the Bengals rush game combined for over 100.
Roethlisberger collected 251 passing yards, along with a touchdown and an interception. He was pressured a lot as the night went on by the Bengals defense. Felix Jones ran for 37 yards on 10 carries, while Sanders led the receiving unit with 78 yards.
A few penalties and turnovers were some key game changers tonight, and the Steelers will look for their first win next Sunday night against the Chicago Bears.
