2016 Recall: Boswell the MVP of Bengals road game
You don’t ever mess with the Terrible Towel. The curse of Myron Cope struck again, and this time the Cincinnati Bengals fell victim to its power.
If you don’t believe me, just asked Bengals running back Jeremy Hill what happened after he crossed the goal line and took to trashing a towel. The Bengals went up 17-3 at home with nine minutes remaining in the second quarter. That lead could’ve been extended further after a 72-yard kick return later that same quarter, if not for a shoestring tackle by kicker Chris Boswell which prevented Alex Erickson from going the distance. Cincy was held to only a field goal on the drive, which would prove to be their final points of the game.
But that wasn’t the only reason Chris Boswell was presented a game ball in this contest. The Steelers kicker would account for 18 of the team’s 24 points on the day, splitting the uprights on attempts of 45, 40, 30, 49, 49, and 49 yards.
Yes, that’s three kicks of nearly 50 yards that the “Wizard of Boz” hit with ease, as Pittsburgh inched their way back into the game. But before Boz’ sixth kick, Cincinnati QB Andy Dalton did the Steelers a favor by throwing a pass into the waiting arms of LB Lawrence Timmons. The turnover would help the Steelers convert yet another field goal, closing the Bengals lead to two points early in the fourth quarter.
The Steelers defense would go to work on forcing a three-and-out, giving their offense the ball back on a series which exemplified the Bengals ability to implode. While Pittsburgh was far from perfect on being penalized on the day, the men in tiger stripes were flagged on four straight plays, sending the Steelers from the Cincinnati 48 down to the 18. Roethlisberger would find Eli Rogers for the game-winning touchdown (below) with the defense holding the Bengals to another three-and-out.
It would be the opponent’s final possession with 6:05 left on the clock when Bengals punter Kevin Huber punted it away. Pittsburgh would control the clock, eating away the remaining time while marching down to the Bengals four-yard line.
Final score: Steelers 24, Bengals 20… secured by Boswell’s six kicks and incredible special teams tackle. (Spoiler: the tackle will be featured in tomorrow’s “Plays of the Year” series.)
The win would be the Steelers fifth-straight, sending them into an “AFC North Championship” game with a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens a week later. The victory would also officially eliminate the Bengals from playoff contention.
Play of the Game
Down two points and unable to generate any offense outside of six Chris Boswell field goals, what else would the Steelers dial up beside a deep shot for it all on 2nd-and-16 from the Bengals 24-yard line?
Eli Rogers would wiggle free running a route toward the middle of the field, as Big Ben stood tall in the pocket, finding his receiver for the game-winning score.
