Takeaways: Steelers’ best performance tamed the Bengals in Week 13
Steel City Underground offers post-game takeaways for every 2024 Pittsburgh Steelers NFL regular season game, focusing on the black and gold, just for members of Steelers Nation.
On Sunday afternoon, at Paycor Stadium, the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers entered a shoot-out with the Cincinnati Bengals in a high scoring affair that saw the Steelers put their best performance, as a complete team, together for a decisive, statement-making, 44-38 win over the Bengals. We look at top takeaways from the Week 13, 2024 NFL regular season game and division rivalry.
Wilson deserves to be QB1
There is no arguing the fact that the Steelers offense looked completely different against the Bengals than it did against nearly every other team that Pittsburgh has faced this season. The difference-maker was the play of veteran quarterback Russell Wilson. Wilson’s performance against the Cleveland Browns in Week 12 looked good on paper, but didn’t translate well on the field. Against Cincinnati, a juggernaut of an offense, Wilson put together his second-best career performance and did it in black and gold. And he did it in a fashion that the Steelers haven’t seen on the field since Ben Roethlisberger put up 400 yards of passing in November 2018 against the Denver Broncos.
The recently-turned 36 year old completed 29-of–38 passes for 414 yards, 3 touchdowns, and earned a rating of 126.4. Wilson is a poised player, focused. Despite the pressure the Bengals threw at him, Wilson got rid of the ball in a more timely fashion, played smart, and adjusted based on the look Cincinnati’s defense put on the field. Wilson was able to complete passes to 10 different receiving targets and didn’t falter when the two teams ended up in a shootout as Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow started dishing, either.
“Russ, he prepares for the game. He’s always ready for those moments. Even when we used to play against Russ, Russ could dice it up with the best of them. Having a guy like that on our sideline now, he’s definitely a leader on that side of the ball.” – Cameron Heyward
For fans clamoring for the return of Justin Fields as QB1 over Wilson, this may have changed their minds a bit. Fields is competent, no doubt, but his role – as it stands now – is a perfect compliment for this offense. Wilson has earned, and deserves, that QB1 role.
Herbig is a star in the making
Ahead of the game, it was believed that Alex Highsmith might be back in the starting lineup opposite T.J. Watt at outside linebacker. Instead, due to Highsmith being less than 100 percent, Nick Herbig once again earned the start. Herbig has made the most of his time as a starter, earning two sacks. Against the Bengals, Herbig made a statement play that was needed. Herbig was able to strip Burrow of the ball in the fourth quarter – mirroring Watt’s similar play in the second quarter – that was scooped up by Payton Wilson and taken to the house for a defensive touchdown.
“(Watt is) a Hall of Famer, and I’m sure he leads the league since he’s been in the league of forcing fumbles. And I think that’s the culture that Coach Tomlin builds. These guys lay the foundation for guys like me, younger guys that are looking up to them. The chemistry we have in the room is unbelievable.” – Nick Herbig
Watt’s 32 forced fumbles since 2017 are the most in the league over that span, but Herbig is a star in the making for the Steelers, learning from the best in the business. This duo leads the NFL in strip-sacks.
AFC North football
This game was predicted to be a game of the week candidate across the league in Week 13, and it didn’t disappoint. The Steelers were able to get to Burrow and bring him down four times, while the Bengals were able to do the same to Wilson twice (Wilson gave himself up once). That speaks to the game plan that both teams had: limit the opposing offensive production.
“Obviously, AFC North football, especially on the road — if you want the ball to come through Pittsburgh, you have to win on the road, especially in the North. It feels great to get a win.” – T.J. Watt
Between the two teams there was 692 yards of passing offense and 203 yards of rushing offense. There were also a combined 204 penalty yards. The game was chippy, but it was also a showcase of some amazing talent from both teams. The Steelers won the turnover battle, but the Bengals special teams earned a blocked field goal. This game won’t be forgotten when the two teams next face each other this season in Week 18.
The Steelers will host the Browns at Acrisure Stadium in Week 14 looking to get revenge in that series.
