Flacco Delivers in a Thriller: Bengals Come Out on Top in Primetime Classic
Paycor Stadium came alive Thursday night as the Cincinnati Bengals snapped their four-game losing streak with a hard-fought and much-needed win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. They came out on top 33-31 thanks to Joe Flacco's accurate passing and Ja’Marr Chase’s outstanding performance.
According to Pro Football Reference, Flacco went 31 of 47 for 342 yards, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions, good for a 118.5 passer rating, his highest in a primetime game since 2017. He completed 68% of his passes, and per Next Gen Stats, he averaged 8.1 yards per attempt and had a passer rating of 141.3 under pressure, portraying his poise against one of the AFC’s toughest defenses.
Ja'Marr Chase stole the show, bringing in 16 catches for 161 yards and a touchdown, breaking the Bengals’ single-game reception record and becoming the fifth fastest player to reach 6000 receiving yards (StatMuse). His chemistry with Flacco was instant, and their rhythm throughout the night kept Pittsburgh’s secondary on its heels all night.
The Steelers maintained a strong fight as Aaron Rodgers delivered an impressive performance, throwing for four touchdowns, including a 68-yarder in the fourth quarter that tied the game. But in the end, the Bengals secured a perfect 3 of 3 for 61 yards before Evan McPherson kicked a 36-yard field goal with only seven seconds remaining in the game.
What We Learned
Flacco Still Has It: At 40, Flacco easily defied expectations. He displayed complete composure and control after just ten days with the team. He spread the ball around and gave the offense the spark it's been missing. The drives had rhythm again, and he had clutch moments, bringing the feeling that the team finally had direction. Flacco’s experience showed in big moments, bringing a veteran poise when the team needed it most.
Chase is Elite: Ja’Marr Chase showed everyone why he’s the centerpiece for this Cincinnati offense and remains one of the best receivers in the game. Every time the Bengals needed a big play, he delivered, showing he can carry the offense and proving again he is the heart of this passing attack.
Balance Matters: For once, the Bengals weren’t just airing the ball out. They mixed things up, and it worked in their favor. Chase Brown achieved his first 100-yard rushing game of the season by gaining 106 yards on just 10 carries, giving the offense the balance it’s desperately needed. This was the most well-rounded performance we’ve seen all season, and the offense finally looked complete.
Fan Perspective
For Bengals fans, this one felt different. It didn’t come across as just a win but a reset. A team that has looked stuck for weeks now has shown what it is capable of. With the losing streak over and some momentum on their side, the Bengals move into the next half of the season at 3-4 with opportunities to regain their position in the AFC North. This was not just a relief win but a statement win.
Will they be able to stay on this path? Time will tell, but for now, enjoy it.