The Cincinnati Bengals improved to 7-0 by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-10 with a fourth quarter comeback. The Bengals look like one of the best teams in the NFL, while the 4-4 Steelers are still playoff contenders. Here are three things we learned from each team in the Bengals' win.
Cincinnati Bengals:
1. Jeremy Hill The Lead Back
Hill and Gio Bernard have split touches much of the season, but Hill was the feature back against Pittsburgh. Hill had 16 touches, while Bernard had only three. Neither was that effective, but the Bengals won and that's what matters.
2. Defense Is Great
Maybe we already we knew this, but the Bengal defense put together one of its best games this season. Cincy picked off Ben Roethlisberger three times, and held the Steelers to just 10 points. If the Bengals' defense keeps playing this well, they will be a dangerous team in the playoffs.
3. Bengals Are Super Bowl Threats
This was a game the Bengals of old would lose. Instead, the Bengals stayed undefeated thanks to a fourth quarter comeback by Andy Dalton. He was far from perfect in the game, but Dalton outplayed Ben Roethlisberger and helped the Bengals win. It's time that everyone started treating the Bengals as serious Super Bowl threats.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
1. Le'Veon Bell Hurt
There is no official word on how long Bell will be out, but it did not look good. With Bell out, DeAngelo Williams is the starter. Hopefully, Bell doesn't miss much time. We won't know how long he'll be out until the MRI results are in. If Bell is out for an extended period of time, Pittsburgh could look to add another running back for depth purposes.
2. Big Ben Not Quite Himself
Roethlisberger returned after missing the past few games with a knee injury, but he didn't look like himself against the Bengals. He completed only 28 of 45 passes for 262 yards, 1 TD and 3 INTs. I doubt Big Ben is 100 percent, but he should continue to get better as the season goes on.
3. Playoff Berth Still In Reach
Losing to a rival is never fun, but the Bengals are really good this year. As far as losses go, this is far from a "bad loss." Sure, Pittsburgh would have preferred to win, but the Steelers are still in the playoff race. With Big Ben back, the Steelers control their destiny for at least a wild card berth. An AFC North title, however, is much less likely.
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