The Pittsburgh Steelers faced a disheartening loss against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 16, 2025, continuing a troubling trend under head coach Mike Tomlin. In a game marked by defensive struggles, the Steelers were unable to contain Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco, who threw for 342 yards and led his team to a decisive 31-24 victory.
The game began with energy, but after the second quarter, the Bengals seized control. Flacco, a seasoned quarterback with a keen understanding of Pittsburgh’s defensive schemes, exploited weaknesses at will. His favorite target, star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, had a stellar performance, making 16 receptions that contributed significantly to the Bengals’ offensive success.
As the game unfolded, the Steelers’ defense struggled to adapt. Flacco’s quick release, often under 2.5 seconds, left the Steelers’ defensive line scrambling. On the final drive, two critical completions to Chase advanced the Bengals 46 yards, positioning them perfectly for a game-winning field goal.
The Steelers’ offense, led by running back Jaylen Warren, showcased its capabilities with multiple high-level plays. Tight end Pat Freiermuth emerged as a key player, recording over 100 yards and two touchdowns. Yet, the defensive lapses overshadowed these offensive highlights. The Bengals, averaging only 56 rushing yards per game, saw running back Chase Brown rush for 108 yards, effectively dismantling Pittsburgh’s defensive strategy.
This pattern of defensive failures is not new for Tomlin’s squad. The similarities to previous losses, particularly last year’s defeat against the Indianapolis Colts where Flacco also triumphed, raise concerns about the Steelers’ consistency in critical matchups. Tomlin now holds a record of 0-7 on Thursday Night Football against divisional opponents, a statistic that underscores a pattern of missed opportunities in crucial games.
The impact of turnovers also loomed large in this contest. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers faced significant pressure, resulting in two critical turnovers during the second quarter that shifted momentum back to the Bengals. Such mistakes have become emblematic of Pittsburgh’s recent playoff failures, leaving fans questioning whether this year’s team can break the cycle.
While the Steelers may still claw their way into the playoffs this season, the question remains: will they address the issues that have plagued them in high-stakes games? As they reflect on this familiar defeat, the Steelers must confront the red flags displayed in their performance against the Bengals to avoid history repeating itself.
