Postgame Observations: Jake Browning Struggles, Steelers Crush Bengals 34-11

The Bengals are 8-7 on the season following the loss.

CINCINNATI — The Bengals got off to a slow start and never recovered in Saturday's 34-11 loss to the Steelers in Pittsburgh. 

The Steelers never trailed, building a 24-0 halftime lead. Pittsburgh keeps their playoff hopes alive, meanwhile Cincinnati's chances of making the postseason took a major hit. 

The Bengals fall to 8-7 on the season and 0-5 in the AFC North. Here are our postgame observations:

Bad Browning 

Bengals quarterback Jake Browning came back down to earth against the Steelers. After leading Cincinnati to 3-straight wins, Browning threw three interceptions and struggled for most of the game. 

Browning completed 28-of-42 passes for 335 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. One of his interceptions was in the red zone and cost the Bengals three points. 

The Steelers scored 10 points off of his other two interceptions. Those 13 points made a major difference in the game. 

The first half was complimentary football in the worst way for the Bengals, as the defense gave up big plays and struggled to stop the run. The offense moved the ball, but Browning's interception took points off the board.

What Run Game?

The Bengals' running backs had 16 carries for 59 yards. Chase Brown led the way with 16 yards on four attempts. Joe Mixon had 43 yards on 11 carries. Most of those yards were in garbage time. 

The Steelers have the Bengals' number in the trenches. They're a tough defensive front and Pittsburgh completely shutdown Cincinnati's running game. 

Secondary

Pickens finished with four receptions for 195 yards and two touchdowns. He had an 86-yard score and a 66-yard touchdown. He also had a 44-yard catch. 

Pickens beat Chidobe Awuzie on two of the three plays. Dax Hill took a bad angle on the 86-yarder, which helped Pickens get into the open field with DJ Turner II in coverage. 

Tee Time

Tee Higgins was a bright spot on Saturday, finishing with five receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. 

Higgins caught a slant and ran 80-yards for Cincinnati's first touchdown on their first play from scrimmage in the third quarter. He had multiple nice catches that extended drives, even though the offense struggled for most of the game. 

Bright Spots

Brad Robbins had two punts inside the 10-yard line, including a 51-yarder that was downed at the Steelers' four-yard line. That's great news for a rookie that has struggled for much of the season. 

Evan McPherson made his lone field goal attempt, a 35-yarder to end the third quarter. McPherson is 24-of-29 this year and is a perfect 17-for-17 on kicks under 50 yards. 

Up Next

The Bengals play the Chiefs in Kansas City on Sunday, Dec. 31 at 4:25 pm ET. 

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