The Cincinnati Bengals played their most complete game of the year in a 41-10 dismantling of the Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium. In a crucial AFC North matchup, the Bengals came out on fire right from the opening kickoff. Cincinnati had an impressive 11 play drive to start the game capped off by a spectacular eight-yard touchdown run by quarterback Joe Burrow. The running game was also firing on all cylinders as running back Joe Mixon had the best performance of his career. Mixon shredded the Steelers for 165 yards rushing on 28 carries and two touchdowns. Not to be forgotten, the Bengals defense wanted in on the action and sacked Ben Roethlisberger three times and had two interceptions including a pick-six by former Steeler Mike Hilton. This performance puts the Bengals in a fantastic position both for the playoffs at 7-4 and the division at 3-1.
Cincinnati Bengals Demolish Pittsburgh Steelers in AFC North Showdown
The Bengals have had a difficult time with their biggest divisional rival in Pittsburgh over the last 20 years. The pendulum does seem to be swinging its way of late with the development of Burrow and head coach Zac Taylor. Taylor moves to 3-3 overall against the Steelers which includes three straight victories including December of last year. This Bengals team is young, tough, and not phased by the outside noise that surrounds them and the team’s past failures. This win is helping to validate Taylor’s vision in year three of building a competitive and balanced football team on both sides of the ball. The front office and also the fans of Cincinnati have to feel confident in the direction of the team for years to come.
Offensive Rhythm
The Bengals offense really seems to be finding its rhythm as the stretch run of the season is upon us. The biggest factor in the resurgence of the offense has been Mixon and the Bengals offensive line. The play of both has been gaining steam, especially the last two weeks.
.@Bengals @Joe_MainMixon YO JOE; you owe the offensive line a Big Night Out. They worked hard for your yards in the jungle. #welldone. #whodey #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/mpktCvXj6n
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) November 29, 2021
This offensive line and the zone blocking scheme of coach Frank Pollack is wreaking havoc on opposing defensive lines. Couple these factors with the wide receiver trio of Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, and Ja’Marr Chase and you have an offense you don’t want to face at the moment.
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Defense will carry you
The Bengals defense has been the most consistent side of the ball through 11 games this season. They have carried the team on off days from the offense and against the Steelers, they were tremendous. The Bengals spent heavily on this defense in free agency. The acquisitions have been worth every penny for their contributions both in the locker room and on the field. Trey Hendrickson is lighting up offensive tackles and had another sack against Pittsburgh which marked his 10.5 sack of the season and place in the Bengals record books.
The new record holder for the most consecutive games with a sack in Bengals history: Trey Hendrickson. #ProBowlVote ➡ https://t.co/T04fPxaVlS pic.twitter.com/qK18KpjZIW
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) November 29, 2021
In the tough and rugged AFC North, you need to be able to run the ball and play solid defense. The Bengals seem to have both of these aspects covered. They just happen to have a quarterback and wide receivers that are ready to beat you in multiple ways. With six games remaining, these tigers are still hungry.
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