Top Takeaways From Cincinnati Bengals' 34-11 Loss to Pittsburgh Steelers

Cincinnati never had a lead in Saturday's loss to Pittsburgh.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Dec 24, 2023 9:10 AM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals lost to the Steelers 34-11 on Saturday night in Pittsburgh. Cincinnati never had the lead. They fall to 8-7 on the season and 0-5 in the AFC North.

Here are our top takeaways from the loss:

Let Him Off the Hook

Dec 23, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) runs on an eight-six yard touchdown reception as Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (22) chase during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports — Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

George Pickens was on the hot seat entering Saturday's game. The second-year wide receiver was the subject of plenty of criticism in Pittsburgh and across the country.

His effort was being questioned. His attitude was being questioned. Some wondered if he would remain in Pittsburgh next season.

The Bengals let him off the hook.

Pickens had an 86-yard touchdown on the Steelers' second play from scrimmage. It was a simple slant that turned into an explosive play. Dax Hill took a poor angle and got in DJ Turner II's way, which helped Pickens get into the open field.

Pickens instantly went from being a punching bag all week long to becoming the star of the game. If the Bengals contained him early, things could've boiled over. Instead, they gave up a big play and that unlocked a Steelers' offense that hadn't topped the 30-point mark all season long.

The Bengals should've been all over him going into this game. They should've tried to get into his head from the very first snap. Instead, he runs a simple route, it turns into a touchdown and Cincinnati never recovered.

Letting him have success early was just a sign of things to come for a Bengals defense that has given up far too many big plays this season. Pickens would also have a 66-yard touchdown and a 44-yard catch—both against Chidobe Awuzie.

Bad Browning

Jake Browning, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa — © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jake Browning was playing great entering Saturday's game against Pittsburgh. We knew he'd come back down to earth at some point, but I didn't expect him to be so careless with the football.

His first interception was one of the worst throws [and decisions] you'll see from an NFL quarterback.

He tried to throw it away, which made sense. It was third down and the Bengals were well within Evan McPherson's field goal range. Browning tried to throw it out of the back of the end zone, rather than tossing it out of bounds. That decision cost the Bengals three points and also gave Pittsburgh all of the momentum.

Browning would go on to throw two more interceptions. Both were questionable decisions at best. The 27-year-old is a capable quarterback, but his decision making in crucial moments kept the Bengals from being competitive on Saturday.

A loss becomes inevitable when you have a leaky defense combined with three ugly turnovers from your quarterback.

Winless in the North

Zac Taylor reacts Steelers — © Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

After winning back-to-back AFC North titles for the first time in team history, the Bengals are in danger of posting a winless record in the division.

They were swept by Baltimore and Pittsburgh. They'll finish winless in the AFC North for the first time since 2002 if they don't beat Cleveland on Jan. 7.

Dick LeBeau and the Bengals finished 2-14 in 2002. They hired Marvin Lewis shortly after the season and drafted Carson Palmer with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.

No Reader, No Chase, Big Problems

The Bengals didn't have DJ Reader or Ja'Marr Chase on Saturday. Before the game, I wrote that this was their biggest challenge yet.

A team that is already without Joe Burrow is also missing Chase and Reader? Those are arguably the three best players on the roster and the trio is firmly in the top five.

Burrow and Reader are out for the season. There's a chance Chase returns this year, possibly next week against Kansas City, but Saturday certainly showed how vital they are to the Bengals' success.

Other Notes

The Bengals' offense moved the ball well, finishing with 368 yards and converting 6-of-13 third downs. Three turnovers and going 0-for-3 in the red zone was a killer. The Steelers were 2-for-3 in the red zone and didn't turn the ball over.

The Bengals' defense has given up plays all season. This group clearly isn't as good as the unit we've seen over the past two years. They need to force turnovers to be successful and they didn't do that on Saturday night.

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