Turnover Frenzy: Can Steelers Overcome Bengals’ Grip Before Halftime?

Thursday night’s showdown was pegged as a routine win for the Steelers—yet, well, the Bengals had other plans entirely . The underdogs clawed their way back from an early 10-0 hole, outpacing Pittsburgh 17-10 by halftime, flipping the script in a fashion that few saw coming. What’s more, Cincinnati amassed an impressive 220 yards to Pittsburgh’s 183 in the opening half, showcasing grit and determination that disrupted the expected narrative. While Aaron Rodgers found the end zone early through Jonnu Smith, the momentum swung dramatically as Cincinnati’s defense snagged back-to-back interceptions, capitalizing to rack up points and keep the Steeler offense guessing. Meanwhile, penalties and missed golden opportunities stung Pittsburgh hard, dimming their early spark. With Joe Flacco stepping in and making sharp plays, the Bengals look poised to break their four-game skid. Honestly, it’s a fascinating clash that’s anything but settled as the second half looms with Cincinnati gearing up to receive the kickoff. LEARN MORE

Everything said the Steelers should win Thursday night’s game easily. Someone forgot to tell the Bengals.

Cincinnati outplayed Pittsburgh in the first half, rallying from a 10-0 deficit to take a 17-10 lead into halftime.

The Bengals outgained the Steelers 220 to 183 in the first half.

Pittsburgh scored on two of its first three possessions, with Jonnu Smith catching a 10-yard touchdown pass from Aaron Rodgers and Chris Boswell kicking a 41-yard field goal.

But the Bengals intercepted Rodgers on back-to-back possessions on passes intended for DK Metcalf. Safety Jordan Battle had a pick with 4:25 left in the half, leading to a three-play, 76-yard touchdown drive, and cornerback DJ Turner stole a pass from Metcalf on a spectacular interception with 40 seconds left in the half to set up Evan McPherson’s 49-yard field goal on the final play.

Besides, the turnovers, the Steelers had a touchdown nullified by a holding penalty on center Zach Frazier and ended up settling for a field goal after a false start on offensive lineman Mason McCormick on fourth-and-1.

Rodgers is 13-of-19 for 118 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions. Metcalf has two receptions for 45 yards, and Jaylen Warren has eight carries for 45 yards.

Joe Flacco, who has been in Cincinnati a little over a week, has completed 14 of 21 passes for 129 yards and two touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase has seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown, and Tee Higgins has added 54 yards and a touchdown on three receptions. Chase Brown has run for 74 yards on five carries.

The Bengals, who have lost four in a row, receive the second-half kickoff.