In a spectacle that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Pittsburgh Steelers triumphed over the Cincinnati Bengals with a pulsating 44-38 victory on Sunday. While the Steelers celebrated yet another victory, the Bengals were left lamenting their defensive lapses that have come to define their season. Once again, Cincinnati found itself grappling with the same question that has echoed among its supporters: "How did Cincy's defensive unit tumble into this position?"
Cincinnati's Defensive Struggles
The Bengals’ defensive squad, packed with potential yet consistently falling short, allowed an average of 27.8 points per game in losses this season. Joe Burrow and the Bengals' offense have frequently been urged to shoulder the burden intricately tied to a defense that has yet to find its footing.
Remarkably, the Bengals have suffered six of their losses when allowing 25 or more points this season—including four when conceding 33 points or more. Alarmingly, Cincinnati has witnessed three such defenses crumble at the 34-point mark and two falter at 38 points. This fragile fortress was breached yet again by the Steelers as fans' hopes turned to frustration.
Joe Burrow's Heroic Efforts
Despite these setbacks, Joe Burrow has continued to shine. Against the Steelers, the prodigious quarterback threw for 309 yards, with three touchdowns to complement a single interception. This marked another game where Burrow, remarkably consistent, achieved over 300 yards and three touchdowns in each of the last three matchups, performances that unnervingly coincided with losses.
The Bengals’ offense made valiant attempts to keep pace on the scoreboard. However, the records illustrate just how daunting a task it has become. While the rest of the NFL holds an impeccable 21-0 record this season when scoring 38 or more points, the Bengals ironically languish at 1-2 under these same circumstances. Such statistics highlight the defensive failures that have become Cincinnati's Achilles' heel.
The Misguided Promise
With nine players from their defense picked in the top 100 draft since 2021, expectations were understandably sky-high at Paycor Stadium. Nevertheless, the reality is starkly different from the optimistic projections. Myles Murphy, the highest-drafted among these young talents, has yet to start in any of his 24 career games. The lingering question remains: have these investments translated into the results the Bengals so desperately need?
Trey Hendrickson: A Silver Lining
Among this sea of disappointments, Trey Hendrickson has been a rare beacon of hope, delivering standout performances throughout the season. His contributions on the field have been invaluable, yet they have not sufficed to mask the broader defensive inefficiencies plaguing the team.
As the season progresses, the Bengals confront an uphill battle not just on the gridiron but within themselves, seeking the answers to rectify the slide. For devoted fans and casual observers alike, the once-promising journey seems to have deviated tragically, leaving many with the somber thought: "Take the fork out of the Thanksgiving turkey and stick it in the Cincinnati Bengals." Still, the spotlight remains on Cincinnati, as they strive to transform potential into tangible success through the rest of the season.