The Cincinnati Bengals came up short in Pittsburgh, going down at the hands of the Steelers, 30-27.
That's underselling it a bit, though.
Serious mistakes in all phases sunk the Bengals. The defense had some odd missed tackles and blown coverages. Special teams put on the biggest stinker Darrin Simmons’ unit has in maybe a decade. And Joe Burrow fell short in the clutch.
As such, more losers than winners around the Bengals in the aftermath.
Winner: Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins
No debate about whether these two trounce the Steelers when they see them. Ja’Marr Chase led all receivers in Pittsburgh with nine catches for 98 yards and a score. Higgins was second amongst all targets with six catches for 90 yards and a score.
Loser: Jalen Davis and Tacario Davis
Jalen Davis was one of those unquestioned starters this offseason
that seemed a little controversial. The Steelers went after him and were very successful before he got hurt and left. As for Tacario Davis, the rookie dropped an interception and had a costly penalty, which could mean a reduction in playing time soon.
Loser: Jordan Battle and Shemar Stewart
It was a matter of time before smart offenses went after Jordan Battle again. Like Davis, he wasn’t really pushed for his job this offseason. Maybe a mistake: The Steelers picked on him and he again looked disinterested in making serious contact. As for Shemar Stewart, he didn’t get to play a snap, which is not what a team should be doing with such a recent first-round pick.
Winner: Dohnte Meyers
Fun day for Dohnte Meyers, one of the true yards-after-catch guys on the roster. He caught three passes for 29 yards while others took over the returning duties on special teams.
Loser: Joe Burrow
Can’t give up the ball with the game on the line, simple as that. Joe Burrow said as much in the presser after the game. The three touchdowns were nice and yes, he shouldn’t have to play hero ball late. But he’s the big-dollar quarterback and things were going fineish on the final drive before the fumble.
Winner: Kyle Dugger
Bryan Cook got hurt so in came the savvy veteran Kyle Dugger. It was easy to think he’d have a bigger role than he has so far this season. But he did well when asked Sunday, finishing second on the team with eight total tackles alongside his one pass defensed.
Loser: Darrin Simmons and Zac Taylor
What was that? Since when is Darrin Simmons trying to block punts in weird spots and having his guys flagged for roughing? How are his hand-picked returners muffing punts and making bad plays? And when it comes to Taylor, where’s the discipline? What’s with all the flags? Why is he 6-51 when trailing after the third quarter? The Bengals are good for a few of these stinkers per year, even during good seasons, and it’s a reflection on the program installed by Taylor.
This article originally appeared on Bengals Wire: 4 winners and 7 losers after Bengals lose to Steelers
