The Pittsburgh Steelers fell short against the Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 19-17 in a heartbreaking season finale on Saturday night. Cameron Heyward and the defense had a great outing against one the league's hottest offenses, but Russell Wilson and Pittsburgh's offense had another poor performance. Pittsburgh's loss was its fourth straight since its last victory against the Cleveland Browns nearly a month ago. The Steelers finished the season 10-7 and will finish as the conference's fifth or sixth seed, while Cincinnati's slim playoff hopes remain alive.
Ryan Meyer / Cincinnati Bengals
The Steelers' defense hold the Bengals and Joe Burrow to just 19 points in a disastrous loss in the 2024 regular season finale.
As the Steelers trailed by 12 points with only 11 minutes remaining in regulation, the Steelers needed a spark. Wilson connected on a touchdown pass to tight end Pat Freiermuth with just over eight minutes remaining in the final quarter, dropping Cincinnati's lead to just five.
Shortly after that, the Pittsburgh classic "Renegade" began to play in Acrisure Stadium, igniting the fans. Pittsburgh's defense got the quick stop that the team needed, but the spark quickly ran away as Wilson and the offense couldn't close out the game, after having multiple opportunities.
The Steelers were given one last opportunity at the two-minute warning, as the Bengals punted away. Wilson made critical mistakes and his receivers had multiple drops on their final drive, leading the Steelers down a dark path. The game ended as Freiermuth dropped a fourth-down pass from Wilson over the middle of the field which could have set the team up for a possible field goal. After keeping their playoff hopes alive, the Bengals celebrated in their locker room by playing Pittsburgh's beloved song.
The Bengals are blasting Renegade in their locker room
— Will Graves (@WillGravesAP) January 5, 2025
The Bengals are hoping to sneak into the playoffs as the conference's seventh seed with losses byh the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Tight End Pat Freiermuth scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2024 regular season finale.
Wilson and the offense couldn't even hit 200 total yards against the Bengals' defense, who have struggled mightily this year. In their previous matchup, the Steelers scored 44 points on over 500 yards of offense. This four-game losing skid has caused major issues for this football team, which is the worst possible scenario as they enter the postseason.
Steelers' Offense Is In Big Trouble As Playoffs Begin
The Steelers haven't had any offensive attack either through the air or on the ground. The team had over a week since their last loss to figure out a way to get going, but nothing sparked the offense Saturday night. The offensive line has regressed over the course of this season, and Wilson doesn't have the legs he once did to adjust. If the Steelers can't figure out a way to get in a groove offensively, then this team won't make it far in the tournament.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin during their loss to the Cincinnati Bengals at the end of the 2024 season.
What do you think? What needs to change in Pittsburgh as they gear up for the playoffs?
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