By: Jared Villani @JVillain10
SteelerNation.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers entered their Week 10 matchup with a perfect 8-0 record as they looked to get their ninth victory against a division rival team in the Cincinnati Bengals. Basing this matchup on paper, there wasn't really much to be concerned about with the Bengals relying heavily on rookie quarterback, Joe Burrow. The Steelers defense would be Burrow's toughest task yet of his young career to date and Ben Roethlisberger has continuously played at a high level this season.
Despite not putting up a heap of points up against Cincinnati right out of the gates, Pittsburgh relied on Chris Boswell to get them on the board for much of the first quarter as he converted both of his attempts (30, 41) to give the Steelers an early 6 to 0 lead over the Bengals.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson has developed quite the rapport with Roethlisberger even after Big Ben missed most of Johnson's rookie season. Big Ben has targeted Johnson 54 times heading into this matchup and connected with Johnson on a 12-yard touchdown further adding to the Steelers lead, now 12 to 0 after Pittsburgh failed a two-point conversion attempt.
A thing of beauty‼️@_BigBen7 | @Juiceup__3
???? FOX ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/V2wy2ttQ4S— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 15, 2020
After Pittsburgh dominated the entire first quarter, Burrow was finally able to find a bit of success as he put together an effective drive. The Bengals marched 90 yards downfield and Burrow found fellow rookie Tee Higgins for a short two-yard touchdown to get Cincinnati on the board for the first time. Pittsburgh still leading 12 to 7.
The Steelers number one receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster has flown under the radar this season with Johnson and rookie sensation Chase Claypool finding a great deal of success as well. It's safe to say Smith-Schuster is just so consistently good that his success is almost expected. Big Ben found No.19 for an eight-yard touchdown connection to further pull ahead of Cincinnati, now 19 to 7.
7️⃣➡️1️⃣9️⃣@_BigBen7 | @TeamJuJu
???? FOX ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/vj1WayuHHA— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 15, 2020
Pittsburgh's ability to stifle Cincinnati's potentially dynamic offense was on full display for the entirety of the game to this point and the Steelers offense were able to take advantage to an extent on nearly every drive. Boswell was called upon once again with the first half coming to a close as he stayed perfect with a 45-yard field goal giving the Steelers a nice 22 to 7 lead.
Although most of the third quarter was rather lackluster, the Steelers offense wasn't going to let up and Big Ben looked to stay hot as he helped guide the offense 67-yards downfield on 12 plays. Roethlisberger found Chase Claypool for an 11-yard touchdown grab and furthermore showcasing how dangerous the receiving corps has been this season. Pittsburgh takes a 29 to 7 lead over the Bengals with the fourth quarter approaching.
Threw it where only @ChaseClaypool could get it ????
???? FOX ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/NKxELK8EUq— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 15, 2020
The Bengals could not stop the bleeding at any cost in what turned out to be a blowout to this point and unfortunately for them Big Ben wasn't done showing off quite yet. We all knew exactly what to expect if Big Ben was able to stay healthy this season and he has looked incredible thus far, adding a fourth passing touchdown on the day to Claypool from five yards out. The Steelers holding onto a comfortable 36 to 7 lead over Cincinnati with the game coming to a close.
Always open ????@_BigBen7 | @ChaseClaypool
???? FOX ????https://t.co/tI5aUTu7te pic.twitter.com/ibvfGwu7mp— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 16, 2020
The Bengals were able to add a late field goal in the fourth quarter, but the Steelers overwhelmed Cincy all day long getting another W continuing their fantastic run this season. Despite having a tough day on the ground, the Steelers aerial attack in addition to their scary defense were in full effect and nobody should be doubting this team's abilities to stay hot going forward. Pittsburgh 36 to 10 victory puts them at 9 and 0 on the season with a nice lead in the AFC North.
Pittsburgh Stat Leaders
Ben Roethlisberger 333 Yards 4 Touchdowns
James Conner 36 Yards
Diontae Johnson 116 Yards 1 Touchdown
T.J. Watt 4 Tackles 2 Sacks 4 QB Hits
