In a stunning Thursday night showdown, the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers with a nail-biting 33-31 victory on October 16, 2025. This game was more than just a win; it was a testament to veteran leadership and high-stakes performance. Let's dive into the details!
Joe Flacco, acquired from the Cleveland Browns just weeks before on October 7, orchestrated a masterful performance. The seasoned quarterback threw for an impressive 342 yards and three touchdowns. His precision was on full display, completing 31 of 47 passes in his second start for Cincinnati. And this is the part most people miss: his performance was a direct response to the pressure of the game.
On the other side, Aaron Rodgers, at 41 years old, put up a valiant fight. He threw for 244 yards with four touchdowns but also faced two interceptions. This matchup marked only the third regular-season game in NFL history where starting quarterbacks in their 40s faced off, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.
The game swung dramatically in the final minutes. Rodgers connected with Pat Freiermuth for a 68-yard touchdown, giving the Steelers a brief lead at 31-30 with just over two minutes remaining. But the Bengals, led by Flacco, weren't done yet.
Flacco responded with a clutch drive, moving the Bengals 52 yards downfield. Key passes to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins set up Evan McPherson for a game-winning 36-yard field goal with a mere seven seconds left on the clock. It was a heart-stopping finish!
Ja'Marr Chase was a receiving force, amassing 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown. This performance placed him in rare company, as he became only the fourth receiver in NFL history with two games of at least 14 catches in a single season. Tee Higgins also contributed significantly with six catches for 96 yards.
On the ground, Chase Brown ran for 108 yards, while Jaylen Warren of the Steelers had 127 rushing yards. Freiermuth had 106 receiving yards for the Steelers.
Injuries played a role in the game. Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was inactive due to a hip injury.
Looking ahead, the Steelers will host Green Bay in a prime-time game on October 26. The Bengals will also play on October 26, hosting the New York Jets.
What are your thoughts on this thrilling game? Do you think Flacco's performance was the highlight, or did Rodgers' efforts deserve more recognition? Share your opinions in the comments below!
