Flacco finds vintage form as Bengals win battle of 40-something QBs - ESPN
Original story by: ESPN
Last updated: Oct 17, 2025
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- Context: The Cincinnati Bengals secured a surprising 33-31 victory over the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night. This win, fueled by strong offensive performances and a last-minute lead change, injects much-needed hope into the Bengals' playoff aspirations after a recent losing streak.
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- Detailed Summary:
- Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals ended a four-game losing streak with a crucial win against the Steelers. Quarterback Joe Flacco, acquired via trade, threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, filling in for the injured Joe Burrow. Wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase had a significant game with 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown, crossing 6,000 career receiving yards. Running back Chase Brown also had a breakout performance with 108 rushing yards, helping to jump-start the offense. A concerning trend for the Bengals is their continued struggle with tackling, which was evident for the second consecutive week.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Despite a strong offensive showing from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who threw four touchdown passes, the Steelers' defense faltered. The revamped secondary, expected to contain top receivers, was unable to shut down Chase and Tee Higgins. The Steelers' pass rush also struggled to pressure Joe Flacco, a surprising lapse given their recent sack numbers. This marks the third time this season the Steelers have allowed over 30 points, a statistic not seen since 2003, despite having their defensive starters healthy.
- Key Matchup Dynamics: The game featured a duel between veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers. While Rodgers had a strong statistical performance, a critical interception in the first half contributed to the Steelers' deficit. The Bengals' offense, particularly Chase and Brown, found success against a Steelers defense that was considered a strength.
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