Steel City Underground presents our 2025 Plays of the Year series: a weekly rewind through the biggest moments, breakout performances, and unforgettable highlights from last season’s Pittsburgh Steelers campaign.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals kept things close in the opening half of their rivalry rematch in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL regular season, but the Steelers eventually opened things up in the second half to win 34-12.
The lone offensive touchdowns for the Steelers in the game came as two different quarterbacks found running back Kenneth Gainwell for catch-and-run trips into the end zone.
First quarter touchdown
The Steelers received the ball to open the game, putting Aaron Rodgers and the offense on the field first. With Spencer Anderson reporting as eligible, Rodgers opened the drive with a quick strike to D.K. Metcalf for four yards.
After a Jaylen Warren rush and a direct snap to Connor Heyward for a new set of downs, Rodgers again utilized the passing game on first down, hitting Metcalf for a 17-yard catch and run. Two plays later, Warren ripped off a 35-yard run to move Pittsburgh to the Cincinnati 12-yard line.
On 2nd-and-9, Rodgers operated out of the shotgun and allowed Gainwell to slip into the flat on the left side. Rodgers hit him in stride, and Gainwell secured the catch before outrunning two Bengals defenders for an 11-yard touchdown.
Catch & run for six 🙌 @KENNETHGAINWEL
📺 #CINvsPIT on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/qJEFJh7R7t
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 16, 2025
Following a successful PAT by Chris Boswell, the Steelers took a 7-0 lead.
Fourth quarter touchdown
Gainwell’s second touchdown served as the perfect bookend to a successful Steelers victory. The offense, with Mason Rudolph at quarterback after Rodgers left the game with a wrist injury, chewed up the clock on a 12-play, 65-yard drive.
Gainwell’s second reception of the drive turned into a five-yard touchdown, extending Pittsburgh’s lead late in the fourth quarter. Boswell’s extra point pushed the Steelers ahead 27-12 with just over three minutes remaining.
Touchdown #️⃣2️⃣ for KG 💪 @KENNETHGAINWEL
📺 #CINvsPIT on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/IppHYwmqIJ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 16, 2025
The Steelers defense later added another touchdown to seal the victory as Pittsburgh pulled away for a 34-12 win over Cincinnati.
Check back each week as we continue spotlighting the plays that defined the Steelers’ 2025 season — one moment at a time.