The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense gave up 470 yards of total offense to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football. This defensive showing played a major part in the Steelers losing 33-31 on the road. Coming into the game, Pittsburgh had made significant offseason moves specifically to counteract the Bengals’ star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Kareem Elgazzar / Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase attempting to make a catch against the Steeler's defense.
Despite those preparations, the duo dominated, combining for 257 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 24 catches, making life incredibly difficult for the Steelers’ defense. It was a slant to Chase all game that gave the Steelers’ defense trouble, and they couldn’t stop Chase Brown from hitting the ground running. Brown averaged a whopping 9.8 yards per carry on Thursday night.
This may not make the highlights, but it should: Ja'Marr Chase, who had a sensational game (16 catches, 161 yards, 1 TD), relentlessly blocks for teammate Chase Brown — and then full-on sprints down the field just to do it again!
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 17, 2025
It’s the little things.pic.twitter.com/r9V7ms6ZZY https://t.co/iKIMGPsyti
While it would be easy to pin the blame solely on the secondary, Steelers defensive leader Cam Heyward took a different approach while speaking with Mark Kaboly. He refused to single out the secondary, instead placing responsibility on the defense as a whole. Heyward emphasized that the defense must operate as a cohesive group, and Thursday’s performance was a reminder that everyone needs to execute at a high level to contain elite talent like Chase and Higgins. His leadership and accountability set the tone for a team looking to bounce back from a tough outing.
"We have to stop the fu**ing run, it is as simple as that," Heyward said while speaking to the media after the loss. "We put our DBs in harm by surrendering a lot in the run. We have to be mature and understand what’s going on."
The Steelers’ defensive struggles against the Bengals exposed key areas for improvement, from communication in coverage to pass-rush pressure. Heyward’s message was clear: no one player can shoulder the blame, and the unit must come together to adjust schemes and tighten coverage.
Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers superstar defensive lineman Cam Heyward sits in frustration during an away game.
As the season progresses, the defense will need to learn from this performance, focus on fundamentals, and elevate its play if Pittsburgh wants to compete against high-powered offenses in the AFC.
"We had a situation at the goal line to knock the ball down, but didn’t do it (Noah Fant’s touchdown reception). Our execution and our awareness have to be high, and it wasn’t," Heyward said. "It’s not on the secondary. That’s a cop out. We have to control the front line. I am pi**ed off that we didn’t do our job."
Heyward doesn’t want anyone blaming the secondary for giving up 31 catches for 342 yards. He believes the problems started up front, with the Bengals’ running game getting going. That’s where he places the primary responsibility.
Steelers' Defense Has Awful Showing Against The Bengals
The talk of this contest has to be about the defense. The Steelers’ defense is one of the highest-paid units in the league, and many pundits believe it’s loaded with talent and playmakers.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers' defensive linemen Cam Heyward and TJ Watt look on as practice unfolds during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Yet they continue to make average offensive players look like superstars, while also elevating the game of the truly elite. This performance from the Steelers’ defense was one of the worst in recent memory. They will look to bounce back against the Green Bay Packers in Week 8.
What do you believe was the reason this Steelers' defense looked so bad against the Bengals? Let us know in the comments below! Please feel free to share your Steelers takes with me on X @anthonyghalkias and follow me.
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