Statistically speaking, the Steelers did a relatively fine job of containing Cincinnati's rushing attack during Sunday's 37-30 defeat.
But one player made all of the difference in a game which altered course upon Joe Mixon's exit.
It was sixth-year veteran Samaje Perine who made splashes within the Bengals' offense. His three receiving touchdowns, including two in the first quarter, were game-changing plays from an unlikely game-changing player.
Perine was relatively kept in check on the ground -- he carried it 11 times for a team-high 30 yards -- but the receiving game allowed the Bengals to establish rhythm, and it provided a new player for the Steelers to keep its eyes on, even with an All-Pro caliber running back leaving the game with a concussion.