Steel City Underground presents post-game takeaways in our Steelers Offseason Recall series, revisiting key moments from the 2025 season and how they shaped the year that followed.
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Week 7 coming off a convincing victory over the Cleveland Browns, but their momentum came to a halt in a heartbreaking 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. In a game that featured explosive offense, late lead changes, and over 60 combined points, Pittsburgh’s defense ultimately failed to deliver when it mattered most.
The Steelers appeared to be in control early, jumping out to a 10-0 lead behind an efficient opening drive capped by Aaron Rodgers‘ touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith and a Chris Boswell field goal. However, Cincinnati quickly responded, and the game turned following a pair of Rodgers interceptions that helped fuel a 17-point Bengals run to close the first half. Pittsburgh entered the locker room trailing 17-10 despite controlling much of the game’s early action.
The biggest storyline from the loss was the Steelers’ inability to contain Ja’Marr Chase. Even though everyone knew Chase was Cincinnati’s most dangerous weapon, Pittsburgh repeatedly left Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay in isolated coverage situations. The strategy backfired as Chase posted a Bengals franchise-record 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown while consistently moving the chains throughout the game. Despite generating pressure on Joe Flacco, the Steelers failed to make the necessary adjustments and paid the price.
Defensively, two major questions emerged. First was the continued limited usage of Nick Herbig.
Despite being one of Pittsburgh’s most productive pass rushers, Herbig played only 29 snaps while still generating three pressures. Given his effectiveness throughout the season, many questioned why his role remained smaller than expected.
The second concern was the run defense. Cincinnati’s passing success forced Pittsburgh into a reactive approach, allowing Chase Brown to take advantage of lighter looks and poor fits on his way to more than 100 rushing yards. Even with significant resources committed to the box, the Steelers struggled to balance defending both the run and pass.
Offensively, there were several positives despite the defeat. Rodgers threw for four touchdowns, Jaylen Warren erupted for 127 rushing yards, and Pat Freiermuth delivered one of the best performances of his career with 106 receiving yards and two touchdowns. The Steelers repeatedly answered Cincinnati’s scores throughout the second half, including touchdown passes to Freiermuth and Darnell Washington.
Pittsburgh even reclaimed the lead late in the fourth quarter when Rodgers connected with Freiermuth for a 68-yard touchdown on a second-and-20 play, giving the Steelers a 31-30 advantage with just over two minutes remaining. Unfortunately, the defense could not secure the win. Flacco marched the Bengals down the field behind Chase and Tee Higgins, setting up Evan McPherson‘s game-winning 36-yard field goal with seven seconds left.
The loss served as a reminder that while the Steelers’ offense continued to find its identity through Rodgers, Warren, and their tight-end-heavy packages, the defense still had significant issues to resolve. Against a division rival, Pittsburgh’s inability to adjust to Cincinnati’s passing attack proved to be the difference in a game that slipped away in the final moments.