18 October, 2025
steelers-fall-to-bengals-in-familiar-pattern-of-defensive-struggles

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a frustrating defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 16, 2025, continuing a troubling trend observed under head coach Mike Tomlin. The match showcased familiar defensive lapses that have plagued the Steelers in crucial games, resulting in a 34-27 loss.

During the game, Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 342 yards, effectively dismantling the Steelers’ defense. The standout performance came from wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who caught 16 passes and was consistently open throughout the game. Flacco’s rapid decision-making allowed him to exploit the Steelers’ defensive weaknesses, often resulting in quick completions that the Steelers could not counter.

The Steelers’ defense struggled to contain the Bengals, particularly in the second half. Flacco’s passing was aided by a lack of communication on the field, leading to multiple instances where Chase found himself wide open. His ability to connect with Flacco resulted in two critical plays during the final drive, which gained the Bengals 46 yards and positioned them well for a game-winning field goal.

In contrast, the Steelers’ offense showed promise, with tight end Pat Freiermuth achieving over 100 yards and two touchdowns. Despite these high-level plays, the Steelers could not overcome their defensive shortcomings. The team’s predictable Cover 3 scheme was ineffective against Flacco, who was able to exploit it with ease.

The Bengals’ running game also proved formidable, as running back Chase Brown rushed for 108 yards, significantly exceeding the Bengals’ average of 56 yards per game. This performance underscored the Steelers’ struggles in both pass and run defense.

This loss marks a continuation of the Steelers’ difficulties in Thursday Night Football matchups against divisional opponents. Tomlin is now 0-7 in such contests, a record that highlights the team’s ongoing challenges in high-stakes situations. The Steelers had a chance to solidify their position within their division but instead missed a critical opportunity.

Reflecting on the game, it is clear that the issues observed are not new. Similar defensive breakdowns occurred in previous seasons, including a loss to the Indianapolis Colts last year, where Flacco also capitalized on defensive mistakes. As the Steelers look ahead, questions linger about their ability to address these persistent issues and secure a playoff berth.

While the potential for a playoff run remains, the patterns of their performance raise concerns. Fans and analysts alike are left to ponder whether this season will yield different results or if the same narrative will unfold as in years past.