The Steelers’ offense didn’t put up a ton of points on Sunday, but it showed some signs of life in the first game since offensive coordinator Matt Canada was fired.
He gained 424 yards in a 16-10 road win over the Bengals, improving his season record to 7-4. It’s the first time they’ve gained at least 400 yards on offense since Week 2 of the 2020 season, and that’s one positive step indicative of change this week.
Najee Harris ran 15 times for 99 yards and a touchdown, and Jalen Warren had 15 carries for 49 yards. Warren lost a fumble near the Bengals’ end zone in the first half, but the ground game was a strength for the Steelers for most of Sunday’s game.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett threw for 278 yards, and tight end Pat Freiermuth had 120 of those yards on nine catches. George Pickens and Diontae Johnson combined for over 100 yards, including Pickens’ 43-yard shot that set up one of Chris Boswell’s three field goals.
The Bengals took an early 7-3 lead thanks to a Jake Browning touchdown pass, but couldn’t generate much offense in the second half, with an interception by Steelers defensive back Trenton Thompson leading to a Harris touchdown. It was set up for me. Browning completed 19 of 26 for 227 yards in his first NFL start.
Browning will look for a better result in Jacksonville in Week 13, while the Steelers host the Cardinals in hopes of another good game for their much-maligned offensive line.