The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a frustrating defeat against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 16, 2025. This loss, marked by defensive lapses and missed opportunities, reflects a pattern that has plagued the Steelers under head coach Mike Tomlin. Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco showcased his experience by throwing for 342 yards, while star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase caught 16 passes, leaving the Steelers’ defense scrambling.
The game shifted dramatically after the second quarter, with Flacco exploiting the Steelers’ defensive weaknesses. The Bengals scored four touchdowns, with tight end Pat Freiermuth emerging as a key player, amassing over 100 yards and two touchdowns. Despite these offensive highlights, the Steelers’ defense struggled to contain a Bengals team that averaged 56 rushing yards per game, allowing running back Chase Brown to rush for 108 yards.
Flacco’s familiarity with the Steelers’ defensive schemes, honed during his years with the Baltimore Ravens, was evident. His quick decision-making allowed him to complete plays with minimal time in the pocket, often under 2.5 seconds. On the final drive for the Bengals, Flacco connected on two significant plays that gained 46 yards, placing the team in a prime position to secure a late field goal.
The Steelers’ defensive approach, primarily relying on a predictable Cover 3 scheme, proved ineffective against Flacco’s precision. The miscommunication in the secondary resulted in several wide-open routes for Chase, contributing to the Bengals’ offensive success. This performance echoes a similar encounter from the previous season when Flacco also capitalized on defensive mistakes, underscoring a recurring issue in the Steelers’ game plan.
Compounding the Steelers’ problems were two costly turnovers by quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the second quarter, which exacerbated an already challenging situation. Tomlin’s record now stands at 0-7 on Thursday Night Football against divisional opponents and 2-10 overall in such matchups, highlighting a troubling trend for the franchise.
While the Steelers may still find a path to the playoffs this season, the patterns displayed in this game raise concerns about their ability to contend effectively. As they prepare for upcoming matches, fans and analysts alike are left wondering if this season will yield a different outcome or if it will be yet another chapter in a familiar narrative.
