Let’s be honest.
Deep down, we all knew this was entirely possible.
The Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) were a wounded animal coming into Sunday, while the Bengals (2-1) were riding high on top of the AFC North.
Now they have the exact same records.
Here’s what we learned from a sloppy Bengals performance in Pittsburgh.
There are some serious coaching issues
You can put the blame for the muffed punt directly on Ke’Shawn Williams if you want. But it’s not clear why he was entrusted with that role to begin with (especially when Cincinnati previously
had a perfectly reliable returner in Charlie Jones on the roster).
But then there was also a roughing the punter penalty on Cedric Johnson, when going for a block wasn’t necessary. And the Bengals committed another six penalties, bringing their season total to 25.
Cincinnati’s offense looked stronger than it had all season, but even that fell apart to a familiar theme (an o-line breakdown) on the most important play of the game.
Zac Taylor has a serious problem with finishing close games and is now 6-51 when trailing after the third quarter.
Relying on the heroics of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins isn’t a real plan. Something needs to change quickly if this team wants to content for a Super Bowl.
Dexter Lawrence can’t single-handedly fix the defense
Though it honestly felt like that his first two weeks on the Bengals.
The big nose tackle had yet another stellar game, this time finally getting official credit for a couple of sacks.
But the overall tackling was back to 2023 and 2024 levels for major stretches of the game, with Jaylen Warren, Darnell Washington, and Roman Wilson all getting receptions of 30 or more yards and Warren also ripping off a 35 yard run.
There is no clear favorite in the AFC North
Yes, it’s just three weeks, but, to put things in perspective, the Bengals are now tied with the Cleveland Browns for the best record in the division (and, of course, the Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens).
At least three of the teams are serious threats to contend for the division title, but, more importantly, all four will absolutely feel like they can win against any of the other three.
The Steelers came into the Week 3 matchup against the Bengals with Aaron Rodgers looking like he was already mentally checked out. Meanwhile, Warren hadn’t even reached 50 rushing yards in his first two games.
All of a sudden, both looked like stars on Sunday, which is largely because of Mike McCarthy’s game plan, but also the adrenaline boost Steelers players get when they go up against their hated rivals.
In case there was any doubt, Cincinnati cannot take any opponent, especially an AFC North one, lightly.
