Everything said the Steelers should win Thursday night’s game easily. Someone forgot to tell the Bengals.
Cincinnati outplayed Pittsburgh in the first half, rallying from a 10-0 deficit to take a 17-10 lead into halftime. The Bengals outgained the Steelers 220 to 183 yards during this period.
Pittsburgh started strong, scoring on two of its first three possessions. Jonnu Smith caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers, and Chris Boswell added a 41-yard field goal. However, turnovers began to turn the momentum in Cincinnati’s favor.
The Bengals intercepted Rodgers on back-to-back possessions on passes intended for DK Metcalf. Safety Jordan Battle grabbed a pick with 4:25 left in the half, which led to a three-play, 76-yard touchdown drive for the Bengals. Later, cornerback DJ Turner made a spectacular interception with 40 seconds remaining in the half, stealing another pass from Metcalf. This set up Evan McPherson’s 49-yard field goal on the final play of the half.
In addition to the turnovers, the Steelers had a touchdown nullified due to a holding penalty on center Zach Frazier. They also had to settle for a field goal after a false start penalty on offensive lineman Mason McCormick during a critical fourth-and-1 situation.
Aaron Rodgers is currently 13-of-19 for 118 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. DK Metcalf has two receptions for 45 yards, and Jaylen Warren has eight carries for 45 yards.
On the Bengals’ side, Joe Flacco — who has been with Cincinnati for just over a week — has completed 14 of 21 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase leads with seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, while Tee Higgins has added 54 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Running back Chase Brown has rushed for 74 yards on five carries.
The Bengals, who have lost four in a row, will receive the kickoff to start the second half.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/thursday-night-football-bengals-lead-turnover-prone-steelers-17-10-at-halftime
