Rodgers leads Steelers past Bengals 30-27 in AFC North clash

Aaron Rodgers threw for 292 yards and three touchdowns, helping the Pittsburgh Steelers rally to a 30-27 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The victory moved Pittsburgh to a 2-1 record after a loss to New England the previous week. Rodgers completed 19 of 34 passes, including a 47-yard pass to tight end Darnell Washington that set up Chris Boswell’s go-ahead 33-yard field goal with 2:18 left in the game.

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow also posted 292 passing yards and three touchdowns, highlighted by a 28-yard pass to Tee Higgins that resulted in a goal-line catch. However, Cincinnati’s chances were hampered by a fumble after Burrow was sacked by defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, and a muffed punt by Ke'Shawn Williams that gave Pittsburgh favorable field position.

Running back Jaylen Warren contributed 176 total yards for the Steelers, while a roughing-the-punter penalty in the third quarter extended a Pittsburgh drive that ended with a Rodgers-to-DK Metcalf touchdown. Despite a late 80-plus-yard run by Warren being negated by a holding penalty on Metcalf, the Steelers held on after Boswell’s third field goal tied the game at 27 before the final drive.

Pittsburgh played without cornerback Joey Porter Jr. and relied on rookie defensive lineman Sebastian Joseph-Day, who recovered Burrow’s fumble. The Steelers’ offensive line featured rookie first-round pick Max Iheanachor at right tackle. Cincinnati dealt with injuries to linebacker Demetrius Knight and wide receiver Colbie Young, while Steelers cornerback Brandin Eichols was evaluated for a concussion after a collision during a punt return. The Bengals travel to Jacksonville next week, and the Steelers visit Cleveland on Thursday night.