Football Footnotes: The Shocking Truth Behind the Steelers' Devastating Loss to the Bengals — Blame the Defense, But Don't Let the Offense Escape Unscathed
Clearly, the Steelers’ defense was the biggest culprit in the club’s 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals Thursday night. It allowed 470 yards, including a ghastly 142 on the ground against the NFL’s worst rushing attack.
Not to mention 258 yards on 22 receptions and two scores to Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase, two receivers the team had in mind when it revamped the entire secondary this offseason.
Gee, that worked out great on the first try, huh?
But, as the recently departed Ace Frehley once wrote for Kiss, there are “Two Sides of the Coin.”
Indeed, the Steelers’ offense did enough to win that game. But that side of the ball isn’t without fault for losing it.
In this week’s edition of “Friday Football Footnotes,” we look at the issues Arthur Smith’s unit ran into during Thursday’s Steelers’ defeat.
• In our “Airing of Grievances” this week, we ripped the Steelers defense for failing to create a turnover (and just two sacks) over the course of 72 Bengals snaps from scrimmage.
Meanwhile, the Steelers had two turnovers. Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdowns, but he also had a bad interception when he just chucked an overthrown deep ball to a covered DK Metcalf.
Then Metcalf — one of the most physical receivers in football — lost a reception when defensive back D.J. Turner wrangled the ball away from him.
Great play by Turner. But Metcalf has to secure that ball. It would have given the Steelers possession at the Cincinnati 44-yard line with 43 seconds left in the second quarter.
Instead, the Bengals turned the pick into a field goal of their own before halftime to make the score 17-10.
• That miscue aside, the Steelers didn’t get the ball to Metcalf enough. He only had three catches, five targets and 50 yards on the night. One reception accounted for 39 yards alone.
• The wide receivers, aside from Metcalf, were essentially non-existent again. Roman Wilson had a big third-down catch for 13 yards. It extended a touchdown drive. He also had a catch nullified by a Broderick Jones hold.
But aside from those moments, Wilson, Scotty Miller, Ben Skowronek and Ke’Shawn Williams combined for just two more catches for only 13 yards.
• A pair of first-half penalties on the offensive linemen were costly. Zach Frazier had a holding penalty that wiped out a Jaylen Warren touchdown, and Mason McCormick’s false start nullified a Tush Push first down on fourth-and-1.
Those moments happened on the same drive. The sequence ended in a Chris Boswell field goal.
And, please, stop complaining about that McCormick call. It was the right call. I know, I know. The Eagles never get flagged for doing that.
You’re right. You’re also looking at the wrong thing. Your point is valid. It’s also irrelevant.
Related
• Airing of Grievances: Lousy Steelers defense manifests Mike Tomlin's fears about Joe Flacco
• Steelers cornerbacks smarting after Bengals receivers have their way against them
• Joe Flacco, Bengals knock off Steelers with last-second field goal
• This isn’t a big complaint. It’s more a point of discussion. Should they have run Warren more? I think so.
I get it. Rodgers wasn’t sacked. He threw four touchdowns. He averaged 7.3 yards per attempt. But Warren was motoring. He had 127 yards and averaged 7.9 yards per carry.
Maybe Rodgers gunning the ball down the field on the first play of the series after Cincy scored its first touchdown was a time to establish a drive with Warren instead of looking for a deep shot.
• Don’t blame Pat Freiermuth for failing to take a knee going into the end zone with just over two minutes left. I’ve received that complaint a few times.
That made the score 31-30. The Steelers needed a TD there. Not a field goal. It’s not the same thing as what Higgins did to ice the game by setting up a field goal on the next possession.
If you want to blame the Steelers for something in terms of fourth-quarter management, blame them for that putrid three-and-out down 30-24 that gave the Bengals the ball back on a punt with 5:26 left to go.
To reiterate, this loss is 90% on the defense. I’m just giving you the other 10% for when your buddy at the bar tries to tell you how good the Steelers offense is, and how it’s going to be no problem to sweep Green Bay, Indianapolis and the Los Angeles Chargers over the next three weeks.
Caleb Williams: A Young Talent Driven by Passion and Determination – A Conversation Worth Having
When it comes to young quarterbacks, Caleb Williams is a name that’s quickly rising to the top of discussions. The USC star is not only known for his impressive skill set on the field but also for his undeniable drive and passion to succeed. A recent conversation with Williams sheds light on his mindset—an attitude shaped by unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
"Cuộc trò chuyện với Caleb Williams không chỉ đơn thuần là một cuộc gặp gỡ. Nó là cơ hội để hiểu rõ hơn về tinh thần chiến đấu và sự chuẩn bị của một tài năng trẻ. Cậu ấy có thể không phải lúc nào cũng hoàn hảo, nhưng niềm đam mê và sự quyết tâm của cậu ấy là điều không thể phủ nhận." – A recent comment from a sports commentator.
(“The conversation with Caleb Williams was not just an ordinary meeting. It was an opportunity to understand the fighting spirit and preparation of a young talent. He may not always be perfect, but his passion and determination are undeniable.”)
This candid insight into Williams’ mindset reveals much about what drives the 2024 Heisman Trophy candidate. Despite facing immense pressure and lofty expectations, Williams remains grounded, focusing on the process rather than the outcome. His journey isn’t just about throwing touchdown passes or collecting accolades—it's about preparation, growth, and an ongoing commitment to becoming the best version of himself.
What stands out most during the conversation with Williams is his approach to the game. He talks about his drive not just as a professional quarterback, but as someone who approaches each challenge with the same hunger to improve. He doesn't seek perfection but rather strives for constant evolution. “I know I’m not always going to be perfect,” Williams admits. “But as long as I continue to push myself, I know I can keep getting better.”
It's this humility and focus on continuous development that sets Williams apart from his peers. Whether he's on the field or off, his approach to the game is methodical, calculated, and steeped in discipline. From his time in the gym to studying film, every part of his routine is rooted in maximizing his potential.
One of the most important takeaways from the conversation with Williams is his belief in the power of failure. Williams understands that every setback is an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to become stronger. His resilience has allowed him to weather challenges and come out even more determined, and it’s clear that this mentality will carry him far.
For fans and analysts alike, it’s easy to see why Williams is poised to be a generational talent in the NFL. His natural ability is complemented by a fierce work ethic and an attitude that will carry him through the inevitable challenges of professional football.
As the football world continues to watch Caleb Williams, it’s not just his talent on display—it’s his passion, determination, and unwavering commitment to his craft that will set him apart as one of the most exciting prospects in the game.
