PITTSBURGH — On Sunday, Joe Burrow will head over to the Bengals’ training facility in Cincinnati, where he plans to lift weights and possibly review some game footage. Following that, he will join his teammates, clinging to hope as their playoff aspirations hang in the balance.
Despite a 19-17 win against Pittsburgh late Saturday that kept their slim hopes alive, the Bengals find themselves in a precarious position. “It’s not ideal,” Burrow commented after throwing for 277 yards and a touchdown. “But we put ourselves in this position.”
Just a month ago, the Bengals were struggling at 4-8, with seven of those losses coming by eight points or fewer. However, they have turned the tide by winning five consecutive games to close out the regular season, which included a victory over the struggling Steelers.
To secure the final playoff spot in the AFC, the Bengals need the Kansas City Chiefs, who will be without Patrick Mahomes, to defeat the Denver Broncos. Additionally, the New York Jets must rally and overcome the Miami Dolphins. “I don’t know how many guys will be playing for (Kansas City),” Burrow said with a light chuckle. “Hopefully some.”
Although Burrow had an interception and saw his record of consecutive games with at least 250 passing yards and three touchdowns come to an end, he performed well enough to send the Steelers into the postseason on a four-game losing streak. Pittsburgh earns the fifth seed and will travel to play the AFC South champion Houston if the Los Angeles Chargers lose to Las Vegas. If the Chargers come out on top, Pittsburgh will be the sixth seed and head to their division rival Baltimore next week.
“Our focus needs to shift to playing better football, particularly as we enter a win-or-go-home scenario,” stated Pittsburgh’s coach Mike Tomlin.
For those looking for guidance on how to turn it around in difficult times, the Bengals’ recent form should serve as a lesson. Cincinnati started their late-season surge after a crushing 44-38 defeat to the Steelers on December 1, which left them at 4-8. Since then, they have been unbeaten, with Burrow performing at an MVP caliber and the defense finding its rhythm.
Completing 37 out of 46 passes, Burrow connected with Ja’Marr Chase for a 12-yard touchdown during Cincinnati’s opening drive, giving them a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Chase recorded 10 receptions for 96 yards, inching closer to achieving the NFL’s “Triple Crown” for receivers in terms of receptions, yards, and touchdowns.
Defensively, the Bengals effectively shut down the struggling Steelers, limiting them to just 193 yards, a stark contrast to the 520 yards they permitted in their first game. Trey Hendrickson had an explosive night, sacking quarterback Russell Wilson 3.5 times, raising his season total to a league-high 17.5, as the Bengals stifled the Steelers’ attempts to find a rhythm.
“While our season hasn’t gone as planned, we’re pleased with how we closed out to finish above .500 and keep our chances alive,” remarked Cincinnati cornerback Mike Hilton.
Wilson managed to pass for 148 yards and a touchdown, most of which came in a frantic fourth quarter as the Steelers tried to make a comeback. He connected with Pat Freiermuth for a 19-yard touchdown, and Chris Boswell contributed a 54-yard field goal, pulling Pittsburgh within two points.
With just over two minutes left, the Steelers regained possession but could not reach Bengals territory. Wilson’s fourth-down attempt to Freiermuth fell incomplete, allowing Burrow to finish the game with a kneeldown, extending Cincinnati’s pursuit into the final day of the season.
It remains uncertain whether Burrow and his teammates will return on Monday to prepare for a trip to Buffalo or to clean out their lockers for an eventful offseason. Given the struggles of the past month, Burrow is optimistic. “If we get in, I truly believe we can make some noise with the talent we have,” he expressed. “Now we just have to hope for some help and watch the games unfold.”
Injury report:
Bengals: Burrow received medical attention on the field after a third-quarter sack but was cleared and continued playing. Wide receiver Tee Higgins left with an ankle injury in the second half and did not return, possibly indicating his last game with Cincinnati. Guard Cody Ford suffered a chest injury but remained in play.
Steelers: Running back Najee Harris limped off in the fourth quarter with a head injury after a reception but returned for the final drive.
Next up:
Bengals: Await external outcomes on Sunday.
Steelers: Will face either Houston or Baltimore next week.
