Week 3: Steelers Stun Bengals in Chaotic, Clutch 31–27 Victory
After a chaotic week filled with roster moves and controversy, the Pittsburgh Steelers delivered a statement performance, pulling off a big upset over the Cincinnati Bengals, 31–27.
Game Recap
The Steelers offense opened fast, striking on their first possession with a 30‑yard catch‑and‑run by running back Jaylen Warren before Aaron Rodgers capped the drive with a 38‑yard touchdown to rookie receiver Roman Wilson for an early 7–0 lead.
Cincinnati answered immediately. The Bengals marched 73 yards on an 11‑play drive, finishing with a touchdown grab by Ja’Marr Chase to tie the game at 7.
Pittsburgh responded in kind. Rodgers engineered another sharp series — an 11‑play, 86‑yard drive — ending with a 23‑yard touchdown to Ben Skowronek to put the Steelers back in front.
Early in the second quarter, the Bengals cut into the lead with a 50‑yard field goal from Evan McPherson, trimming Pittsburgh’s advantage to four.
On the ensuing drive, Warren opened the series with a burst of energy, ripping off a 36‑yard gain to flip the field. The Steelers couldn’t punch it into the end zone, but Chris Boswell extended the lead to seven with a steady 44‑yard field goal.
Late in the quarter, a pass intended for Roman Wilson was intercepted by Bengals safety Jordan Battle. Cincinnati turned the takeaway into points, cashing in with a 28‑yard touchdown strike to Tee Higgins to pull even at halftime.
After a Bengals field goal pushed Cincinnati ahead by three, the Steelers answered with a composed 74‑yard march. The 11‑play drive steadied the offense and ultimately restored Pittsburgh’s lead to three. The Bengals didn’t wait long to answer. Their 64‑yard drive stretched eight plays and ended with a 25‑yard touchdown strike to tight end Mike Gesicki, giving Cincinnati a 27–24 lead early in the fourth quarter.
After a stalled offensive series, the Steelers finally caught a break when Ke’Shawn Williams put the ball on the turf and Skowronek pounced on the fumble. Pittsburgh turned the takeaway into points, tying the game at 27 with a Chris Boswell field goal. Boswell later added another steady kick in the closing minutes, giving the Steelers a three‑point lead.
For a defense that struggled to generate pressure most of the afternoon, they picked the perfect moment to finally land one. Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon broke through for a clutch sack, jarring the ball loose, and fellow tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day fell on the fumble. The takeaway sealed the win and pushed the Steelers to 2–1.
Offense Breaks Through
After a dismal Week 2 showing, the Steelers offense came out swinging, piling up 411 yards of total offense — easily their best output of the season. Jaylen Warren set the tone, leading all rushers with 127 yards on 17 carries.
Aaron Rodgers delivered his strongest performance in a Steelers uniform, finishing 19‑of‑29 for 292 yards and three touchdowns. One of his top targets was Roman Wilson, who posted 60 yards on three receptions and added a touchdown.
Tight end Darnell Washington turned in one of his best all‑around games, proving too much for the Bengals defense as he racked up 67 yards on just three catches. And Ben Skowronek made his mark across the board — scoring a touchdown on offense and recovering a late fumble on special teams that set up the tying field goal.
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