CINCINNATI — After securing five consecutive victories, the Pittsburgh Steelers experienced a setback, losing to the struggling Cleveland Browns on a snowy Thursday evening in Cleveland. This defeat has raised concerns for Pittsburgh as they now prepare to face the struggling Cincinnati Bengals (4-7), whose aspirations for the playoffs are diminishing.
“It’s a crucial matchup — each game from now on carries significant weight, especially since it pits us against the Bengals, a longtime rival,” noted Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith, who is looking to return after sitting out two games due to an ankle injury. “This being our first encounter this season, bouncing back from a loss will be monumental for us.”
Currently, the Steelers (8-3) are leading the AFC North by a slim half-game margin over the Baltimore Ravens, whom they will meet again shortly before Christmas. Pittsburgh managed to defeat Baltimore 18-16 on November 17, a week prior to their disappointing loss in Cleveland.
For the Bengals, succumbing to the Steelers on Sunday would severely jeopardize their chances of making a playoff comeback for the first time since 2022. Cincinnati has experienced issues with maintaining leads and has struggled to win close games, having lost three out of their last four contests.
“It’s December football,” said Bengals coach Zac Taylor. “This is the time that really counts. Regardless of our current standing, it’s essential to perform at your peak during this month. We will need our players to step up now more than ever, and they are aware of this necessity.”
The Bengals’ record of 4-7 is misleading, particularly considering some players are posting elite statistics. As they head into Week 13, quarterback Joe Burrow ranks among the league’s leaders with 274 completions, 3,028 passing yards, and 27 touchdowns. Recently, Burrow has been vocal about his frustration with the team’s failure to finish games.
Meanwhile, star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase leads the NFL in receiving yards with 1,056, yards gained after a catch with 481, and touchdowns with 12 as they approach Week 13. Additionally, edge rusher Trey Hendrickson tops the league with 11.5 sacks.
In an interesting twist, the Steelers have surprised observers by utilizing Justin Fields in specific game situations, replacing Russell Wilson in certain plays with varying results. Fields played a pivotal role in securing a win against Baltimore two weeks ago, running for a crucial 8-yard gain on the final drive. However, during Pittsburgh’s almost-final drive in Cleveland, Fields threw an incomplete pass on third down—a moment that shifted momentum back to the Browns.
On the kicking front, Bengals kicker Evan McPherson, affectionately nicknamed “Money Mac” for his consistent performances in his early career, has encountered significant struggles. He took time off during the bye week to resolve his issues after missing two late-game field goals in a 34-27 loss to the Chargers on November 17. His season performance shows a success rate of 71.4% with 15 made out of 21 attempts, placing him among the league’s least effective kickers. His attempts from 40 to 50 yards are 3 for 5, and he has only converted 3 out of 7 from distances exceeding 50 yards.
Adding to the intrigue, the AFC North division is receiving unprecedented coverage from the in-season version of “Hard Knocks,” which will spotlight all four teams in the division. The Steelers, who have managed to stay clear of the spotlight from the series since it first aired in 2001, welcomed camera crews into their environment starting on Halloween. Coach Mike Tomlin views this as yet another competition to master.
“To me, it’s something to conquer to be quite honest with you,” remarked the NFL’s longest-tenured coach. “We have to handle this better than the other three teams, which is how I approach many challenges that come my way.”
The inaugural episode of “Hard Knocks: In Season” is set to premiere on Tuesday evening.