The Pittsburgh Steelers lead the ballgame 20-17 at the half following a field goal off of the Joe Burrow interception with 31 seconds remaining in the half. Kenny Pickett has had himself a nice little half and will be looking to string together his most complete start to date.
The Steelers start the half with the ball at the 25 yard line. On 1st down, a one yard gain by Diontae Johnson out wide. On 2nd, Najee Harris tackled for no gain. 3rd and 9, Pickett off target with Steven Sims across the middle of the field. The Pressley Harvin punt was placed in the corner after traveling 48 yards. Bengals start with the ball at their own 30 yard line.
Tee Higgins complete for a 16 yard gain on 1st. Back to Higgins the next play, but incomplete. Levi Wallace nice job fighting through the catch to force the incompletion. Joe Burrow was sacked on 2nd down by Alex Highsmith for a loss of 6. TJ Watt may end up splitting that sack with him. 3rd and 16, incomplete to Higgins.
The punt went 57 yards and pinned the Steelers on their own 9 yard line. Sims could have let that roll into the end zone for the touchback. Poor decision. Still a net positive for the team today, but a couple bad plays as well.
Najee Harris ran for 3 yards on first down. 2nd and 7, another 3 yard gain to Pat Freiermuth. 3rd and 4, incomplete pass intended for Freiermuth. Freiermuth hurt on the play. Jaylen Warren also out for the game as announced by the broadcast. Eli Apple kind of kicked Freiermuth directly in the rib on that play.
Pressley Harvin shanked the punt. It was called for a fair catch off a bounce and some confusion after the play. Invalid fair catch flag. Backs them up 5 yards to the 41 yard line. Still great position to start out and a bad time for that from Harvin who has otherwise punted well today.
Joe Mixon would be a big loss, but Samaje Perine has been successful so far today.
On 1st and 10, Perine rushed for 5 yards. On 2nd, Burrow incomplete intended for Higgins. 3rd and 5, its loud in Acrisure Stadium. Burrow complete to Hayden Hurst for the first down.
A deep completion on 1st down to Tee Higgins for 33 yards. Bengals now have 1st and goal from the six yard line.
On 1st and goal, Burrow ran for 5 yards. Cam Heyward saved the touchdown. 2nd and goal from the one yard line, Burrow complete to Irwin for the touchdown. 24-20 Bengals.
The Steelers take over from their own 24 yard line. Steven Sims lost 3 yards on 1st down. Incomplete pass on 2nd and its already 3rd and 13. A complete pass to Gentry on 3rd, but only for 9 yards. 4th and 4 and the Steelers should be punting. Can’t afford another shank by Harvin. The punt went 54 yards and was returned 7. Bengals take over from their 23. Marcus Allen another great ST tackle.
TJ Watt picked off the pass intended for Tyler Boyd. He put his hands up in the passing lane and intercepted the pass. Steelers take over just outside the red zone.
1st and 10, Pickett incomplete deep right to Zach Gentry. On 2nd and 10, Najee Harris left tackle for 6 yards. On 3rd, Pickett targeted Diontae Johnson short in the middle, but incomplete. The Steelers have to settle for a field goal attempt. 24-23 Bengals.
Another big kickoff return for the Bengals. Matthew Wright tripped him up. Bengals start from their own 42 yard line.
On 1st down, Arthur Maulet blitzed and forced the throwaway. Higgins gained 15 to convert on 2nd. The next play, Perine stuffed for no gain by Heyward and Jack. 2nd and 10, Irwin gained 9 yards to make it 3rd and manageable. 3rd and 1, Perine up the middle for two yards. Enough to convert.
