CINCINNATI (93.7 The Fan) – Steelers missed out on an opportunity to clinch the AFC North in a mistake-filled 27-17 loss at Cincinnati Monday night. Here are some key takeaways.
Horrid start
The Steelers had as many turnovers as yards in the first quarter with two. Two yards. That’s two yards total in the first quarter. Ben Roethlisberger was 4 of 10 for minus 5 yards. Anthony McFarland was the offensive star with one carry for five yards. JuJu Smith-Schuster did have 2 receptions for minus 6 yards, but he was able to dance on the Bengals logo before the game.
Hot beginning to second half
The first two drives of the second half were remarkably different than the entire first half. After 42 yards total in the first, the Steelers had 132 yards in their first 13 plays of the third quarter. Roethlisberger hit Chase Claypool 37 yards and Diontae Johnson for a 23 yard touchdown. The second drive ended in a field goal as Benny Snell had a 29 yard run.
Snell starts
An injury kept James Conner out of the game, Benny Snell started and after the same slow start as the rest of the team, ended up with 84 yards including the 29-yard run. Snell also scored the second touchdown on a one-yard run gaining a third of the team’s yardage on that touchdown drive.
JuJu dances again
JuJu Smith-Schuster continued his trend of this year dancing on visiting team’s logo’s at midfield before games. He did so Monday night and spiked a ball at the Bengals logo. After he fumbled, the Bengals official Twitter site said “Vonn Bell knocks it out from Pittsburgh TikTok star”. Understandably, there was a ot of chirping in the direction of Smith-Schuster.
More Injuries
On the Steelers first punt of the game, fullback and special teams ace Derek Watt suffered a concussion hitting punt returner Alex Erickson low. TJ Watt immediately came on the field as his brother laid there. Derek Watt was eventually able to get up and walk to the sidelines with some assistance. Tight end Eric Ebron left the game after crashing to the turf going for a ball in the second quarter, one on three, suffering a back injury and not returning.
Linebackers Marcus Allen (stinger) and Uylsees Gilbert (ankle), suffered injuries, but were able to return later.
