Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat up on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, as Russell Wilson and the offense put 44 points on the scoreboard. Leading the offense in the backfield was Najee Harris, who ran for over 70 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Harris started the game off with some strong plays, mostly through the air thanks to Wilson. The drive following Wilson's pick-six, Harris had five straight touches that totaled 46 yards, leading the offense into the red zone. Harris then strangely went down to his knees on the sideline and was removed from the game after a play.
Immediately following the concern for Harris, Wilson connected with George Pickens for a 17-yard touchdown, which would tie the game at seven. Cordarrelle Patterson would sub in and replace Harris for the following possession for Pittsburgh. Harris would eventually come back in, and finished the day with 75 rushing yards and 54 receiving yards, looking more like how he did in his 2024 three-game stretch of 100 yards or more.
Following the win over Pittsburgh's division rival, Harris explained to the media what exactly happened to him when he was unable to get up on the sidelines.
"Thanksgiving. Pat [Freiermuth's] girlfriend Jill, she made this fire-*ss banana thing," Harris told Pittsburgh reporters on Sunday. "And I had too much. I guess I didn't know it affected me until that first drive, so I blame her. I got some oranges and I was good."
Neither Patterson nor Jaylen Warren were able to get as going as Harris did on Sunday. All three running backs were a huge part of the passing game, as they combined for 146 yards through the air. The offense gained 520 total yards, 410 of which came through the air with Wilson.
The Steelers' offense came to play on Sunday and gave the best performance in years. Wilson's three touchdown passes and Harris' rushing score helped keep the team in first place in the AFC North at 9-3.
Arthur Smith's offense really responded to the harsh critique from the fan-base over the last few weeks. When the coaching staff inserted Wilson into the offense, the group exploded. That fell off in their games against the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns, who they will have to face again. Cleveland comes to Pittsburgh next week, and the Steelers' offense will be coming off of a win scoring 44 points.
Steelers Got Help When It Was Needed From The Defense Despite Allowing 38 Points
Joe Burrow threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns against Pittsburgh's tough defense on Sunday. The defense absolutely took a step down in performance while facing one of the league's best offenses, but they also were able to make significant splash plays when they needed to. The defense forced three turnovers, courtesy of Donte Jackson, Nick Herbig, and the one and only, TJ Watt.
Watt looked like his game-wrecking self on Sunday, which was much needed for a struggling secondary. Pittsburgh didn't have any answers for Burrow and the pass, which kept the black and orange in the game until the final two minutes.
While the defense became a liability in Cincinnati, the offense proved its capabilities and looked like a championship-caliber group. Wilson and Harris both had great games, and the Steelers' game versus the Browns next week will be filled with motivation after last week's embarrassment.
