Steelers hallmark defense and revived offense spoiled Bengals quarterback Jake Browning's first NFL start with a 16-10 victory in a critical AFC North game.
While the 7-4 Steelers took over the game late with their first 400-yard game in 59 games with 421, the defense constantly pressured Browning with four sacks as he finished 19 of 26 for 227 yards for a 96.2 passer rating that was solid but not good enough to outduel Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Pickett dominated on third down when he converted eight of 16 before the kneel down on his way to 278 yards for the second most of his career.
Evan McPherson's 47-yard field goal, but the Steelers covered the ensuing on-side kick.
Sources familiar with the organization say the Bengals have turned in hours of footage to the NFL showing that Burrow was healthy prior to the game. According to those who have seen the footage, Burrow threw the ball normally during practice, without a brace and took all of his normal reps. It also includes documentation from medical personnel stating Burrow's injury was "acute," as Taylor has explained. It was not, the doctors say, an injury that happened over time, sources say.
Joe Burrow, to record a 16-10 victory here at Paycor Stadium.
With running backs coach Eddie Faulkner having replaced offensive coordinator Matt Canada earlier in the week and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan calling the plays, the Steelers outgained an opponent for the first time this season, rolling up 421 yards, compared to 222 for the Bengals. Cincinnati started Jake Browning at quarterback.
"I thought we spread the ball around. We changed up things schematically, launch points," said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. "I thought we attacked down the field early when they were in split safeties. We weren't going to let them sit comfortably in that all day."
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