Steelers Get Optimistic Silver Lining Amidst Heartbreaking Loss To The Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night as the defensive struggles from the start of the season returned in a major way. The Steelers got gashed through the air and on the ground in what was an embarrassing performance from the league's highest-paid defensive unit. However, the offense looked very good aside from the two turnovers in the first half, one of which should not have counted. If the defense can figure things out, this team can be very competitive, but it seems like the group has a long way to go to get to that point.

Fans won't be happy with the loss the Steelers took to the Bengals, especially since the franchise had the chance to seriously grow its lead within the division. It was a typical loss on the road against a divisional rival that fans have become accustomed to during the Mike Tomlin-era. However, the offense's performance was fairly inspiring as the group was able to keep the team in the game and come back to take the lead late in the fourth quarter. 

There were a few specific silver-lining's surrounding the Steelers on offense, however. The first being that the offensive line probably played its best and most complete game of the season, which stacks two really good performances on top of one another. The group is improving week by week which is encouraging. The other silver-lining would be second-year wide receiver Roman Wilson. His numbers might not jump out of the box score, but he was very effective and seems to have earned some trust.

Wilson essentially redshirted his entire rookie season in 2024, and fans wanted to see him involved during the 2025 season. He wasn't used much early on, and many were questioning if the young wide receiver had earned the trust of the coaching staff, or even quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Due to an injury to Calvin Austin III, Wilson was forced to play more on Thursday night as he was on the field for over 50 percent of Pittsburgh's offensive snaps, which was by far a career high.

The young wide receiver's numbers aren't going to jump off the screen as he recorded just two catches for 17 yards, but it was promising to see some involvement from the young player. He caught all of his targets, and he also caught a 13-yard pass for a first down late in the fourth quarter that was called back due to a holding penalty. 

Pittsburgh has been looking for someone on offense to step up and be a complementary wide receiver for DK Metcalf, and Wilson showed some signs that he could be that guy during the loss to the Bengals. 

Steelers' Roman Wilson Could Have Had A Huge Night Against Cincinnati

Wilson only caught two passes against the Bengals as mentioned, but his numbers could have been much better. Wilson's additional 13-yard catch that wiped off the board was another great sign, and he was also open on a lot of his routes. He ran efficiently and showed good burst coming off of the line of scrimmage, and his hands were reliable whenever Rodgers targeted him. 

He also had a chance for a big play, but Rodgers went elsewhere with the football.

On the second interception thrown by Rodgers, it seems like he decides to throw the ball up to Metcalf along the sideline before the ball is even snapped. He misses Wilson streaking underneath across the middle, and had he hit him in stride, the wide receiver might have the speed to make it into the end zone, or at least deep in the red zone.

What did you think about Wilson's performance on Thursday night? Let us know in the comments below!

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