Roethlisberger Atrocious, Cincinnati Bengals Shock Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-17

Cincinnati Bengals extended the Pittsburgh Steelers’ crisis, inflicting them the third straight loss, this time on Monday Night Football, 27-17.

The Bengals shocked the guests early on, creating a significant advantage in the first half, using the rival’s attack’s insecurity. Ben Roethlisberger posted one of the worst sequences in his career, with the veteran QB posting two of Pittsburgh’s three turnovers in that half.

Roethlisberger threw for just seven passing yards. His team went three-and-out on the opening five possessions. Eventually, Big Ben ended the game with 170 yards, 20-of-38, one TD pass, one interception, and one lost fumble.

“I just felt like they were taking away some of the underneath stuff, so we wanted to take some shots down the field, and the disconnect was me not making it happen,” Roethlisberger said.

The Bengals’ defense was ruthless, showing what AFC North is all about. They looked like one of the best units in the league, not the guests, who were lost and confused. The hosts scored points after all three takeaways, punishing the big rivals in the cruelest possible way.

Quarterback Ryan Finley and running back Giovani Bernard were the focal figures in Cinci’s offense. Even though, Finley’s productivity when it comes to passing wasn’t at the highest possible level, 89 yards, 7-of-13 for one TD, he created trouble with running. The 26-year old scrambled 10 times for 47 yards and one touchdown.

On the other hand, Bernard had 97 yards from the scrimmage and one receiving and rushing score, each.

“Obviously, it feels good to win, but it amplifies everything because of what’s happened this season,” Bernard said. “To be able to beat a team like that.

The fans saw one move which will no doubt be a highlight reel for a long time. JuJu Smith-Schuster headed for a crossing route, but Vonn Bell recognized that, with the Bengals’ safety reaching full speed before destroying the Steelers’ wide receiver. The hit was so hard that JuJu lost possession of the football, while spectacular flying through the air. Fortunately for him, the ruling on the field was that it is an incomplete pass, otherwise, the Bengals would take that one as well.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “We’re not a good football team right now.”

If they want to change something, they need to it fast. The Steelers are hosting the Indianapolis Colts next week, and this is one of the most important games of the year for them. The 10-4 Colts are just one win behind, and are on the rise, and if they beat the Steelers, that could have big implications on the AFC standings.

The loss would put Pittsburgh in a nasty situation before the last round in Cleveland. The Browns are now 10-4, and they could even attack the AFC North title. It would be a disastrous scenario for the Steelers, who opened the campaign with 11 straight victories.

Cincinnati is 3-10-1, and are already preparing for the next season. After Joe Burrow’s injury, Bengals’ fans deflated a bit, but this win will give them a reason to smile. Up next, they will visit the Houston Texans before and then close this year with a home match against another divisional rival, the Baltimore Ravens.