The Pittsburgh Steelers want to cease their dropping skid as they enter the playoffs. The Cincinnati Bengals want to preserve their playoff probabilities alive, although they nonetheless want some outdoors assistance on Sunday to get there. Each groups have loads to play for, however this one will likely be performed on a bitter chilly winter evening at Acrisure Stadium. The 44-38 shootout received by the Steelers in the beginning of December was in Cincinnati.
Each the offense and protection in Pittsburgh have rather a lot to show. The offense hasn’t been the identical since that final Bengals sport, partially due to WR George Pickens being out for a couple of video games. Using into the playoffs on one other 30-plus level efficiency in opposition to the Bengals could be big for this crew, however their protection has been sturdy during the last month with 12 pressured turnovers.
The Steelers have rather a lot to show defensively after a couple of tough outings in opposition to superb, playoff-bound opponents. The protection was the inspiration of this crew’s success earlier within the season, and the Steelers have to get again to that in the event that they wish to keep away from one other early playoff exit.
As a result of the Baltimore Ravens have crushed the Cleveland Browns, 35-10, a Steelers win would safe a visit to the Houston Texans within the Wild Card spherical. A loss almost definitely sends them to the Ravens for a really troublesome Wild Card matchup, although they might nonetheless find yourself enjoying the Texans if the Las Vegas Raiders upset the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday.
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Steelers’ Inactive Gamers
QB Kyle Allen (third QB)
WR Scotty Miller
DL Dean Lowry
DL Isaiahh Loudermilk
CB Donte Jackson
Bengals’ Inactive Gamers
DE Sam Hubbard
WR Jermaine Burton
RB Chase Brown
OL Andrew Stueber
WR Charlie Jones
TE Tanner McLachlan
DE Isaiah Thomas
The defensive position is a bit skinny as a result of chosen inactives. The Steelers will likely be enjoying loads of 2-5 and Bronco (3 OLB) packages immediately, almost definitely. Any defensive position accidents might immediately turn out to be an issue. Bengals RB Chase Brown couldn’t go, so their dashing assault shouldn’t be an enormous issue.
START OF GAME
The Bengals begin with the ball on offense. They returned the kickoff to the 27.
1st and 10, DeShon Elliott got here downhill to fill in opposition to the run and no acquire on the play. Khalil Herbert the working again. 2nd and 10, full to Mike Gesicki for 12 yards with a pleasant transfer to get previous Elliott.
1st and 10, Burrow full to Tee Higgins for 9 yards with Joey Porter Jr. in protection. An amazing throw by Burrow. 2nd and 1, full to Gesicki over the center for 16 yards and the Bengals’ offense is already rolling.
1st and 10, Herbert up the center for five yards. 2nd and 5, Herbert stopped a yard brief after choosing up 4. third and 1, full to Ja’Marr Chase for 7 yards.
1st and 10, Burrow full to Chase for 12 yards and a landing. The Steelers’ protection appears like swiss cheese. 7-0 Bengals.
The kickoff went wanting the touchdown zone, so the Steelers begin on the 40.
1st and 10, Najee Harris up the center for 3 yards. 2nd and seven, no acquire for Pickens on a fast WR display screen. He was hit late out of bounds, however no flag. third and seven, Wilson sacked by Trey Hendrickson. The punt went 38 yards to the Cincinnati 28.
1st and 10, Burrow full to Grandy for 9 yards. 2nd and 1, Cory Trice Jr. obtained the deal with for loss on Herbert. third and a couple of, Burrow full to Gesicki for five yards to transform.
1st and 10, Burrow full to Higgins for 11 yards. Elandon Roberts thought he was held on the blitz, however no flag.
1st and 10, Herbert up the center for 8 yards. 2nd and a couple of, full to Herbert for 1 yards with Trice and Herbig teaming up for the deal with. third and 1, Herbert up the center for 4 yards.
1st and 10, Burrow full to Herbert for five yards. 2nd and 5, Elliott tackled the catch behind the road for a lack of 1. Ineligible man downfield declined. third and 6, the Steelers introduced an additional man on the push and compelled the fumble. It was recovered by the Bengals, however they must kick a protracted subject purpose. Patrick Queen credited with the pressured fumble. The sector purpose was good. 10-0 Bengals.
Jaylen Warren returned the kickoff to the 27.
1st and 10, Najee Harris picked up 10 yards after stumbling on the line of scrimmage.
1st and 10, toss to Harris for a lack of 1. 2nd and 11, Wilson tossed it at Harris’ ft with Hendrickson in his face. On the final play of the third quarter, Wilson full 26 yards to Mike Williams with a toe faucet alongside the sideline.
END OF 1ST QUARTER: 10-0 BENGALS
1st and 10, Warren up the center for 4 yards. 2nd and 6, Warren off proper finish for 1 yard. Incomplete on third down as Pat Freiermuth was tackeld by Cam Taylor-Britt earlier than the ball arrived.
1st and 10, Harris for 11 yards.
1st and 10, Harris off proper deal with for 3 yards. 2nd and seven, Harris up the center for six yards. third and 1, Wilson up the center to transform.
1st and purpose, Harris gained a pair inches. 2nd and purpose, Harris up the center for two yards. third and purpose from the 6, Taylor-Britt mugged Darnell Washington on a fade for an computerized first down.
1st and purpose, Harris adopted Connor Heyward into the top zone for a landing. 10-7 Bengals.
Isaiah Williams returned the kickoff to the 44. Not nice protection there and Boswell took a pleasant lick.
1st and 10, Alex Highsmith jumped offsides. 1st and 5, incomplete to Andrei Iosivas. The ball was knocked up after the drop, however no Steelers within the space to make a play on the ball. 2nd and 5, Burrow to Gesicki for five yards to transform.
1st and 10, Herbert up the center for two yards. 2nd and eight, Herbert up the center for two yards. third and 6, Burrow full to Herbert for five yards. 4th and 1, the ball was tipped by Cam Heyward to drive a turnover on downs.
1st and 10, Warren up the center for 4 yards. 2nd and 6, Warren up the center for 3 yards. third and three, incomplete. The punt practically didn’t get off in time, however Waitman picked the ball up off the bottom and punted to the 16 out of bounds.
