The Pittsburgh Steelers entered a Week 13 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals with big-time implications for the AFC North division. The two organizations have had very different 2024 seasons, but all bets are off when it comes to any in-division play for all four teams. That was proven to be true when Mike Tomlin's group lost to the then-two-win Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football in Week 12.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sideline as snow pours down during a 2024 Thursday Night Football contest against the Browns in Cleveland, OH.
One of the more intriguing parts of the Steelers' and Bengals' rivalry in recent years has been the presence of Pittsburgh's former undrafted free-agent cornerback, Mike Hilton. His stamp on the rivalry was made apparent back in 2021, when he picked off Ben Roethlisberger and returned it for a touchdown during his first season with the Bengals.
Ben Roethlisberger to Mike Hilton for SIX! 😳#PITvsCIN #RuleTheJungle
— SportsGridRadio (@SportsGridRadio) November 28, 2021
pic.twitter.com/rLl6bXASwF
Fast forward to Week 13 of 2024; however, and young wideout Calvin Austin III got the better of Hilton, and it ended with a Steelers touchdown. The cornerback was clearly lost on a route down the middle, which resulted in Pittsburgh celebrating.
Calvin Austin absolutely torched Mike Hilton on this touchdown catch. pic.twitter.com/rioKOoG5Ar
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 1, 2024
It's always nice to see a former Steeler be on the bad end of a Pittsburgh score. This was exactly the case when Austin beat Hilton over the middle of the field. Hilton has not been shy to talk some trash during his time with Cincinnati, making the touchdown even sweeter for Steelers fans.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5902-544x306.jpg "Steelers - Calvin Austin")
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III hauls in a catch as the team practices on the field at St. Vincent College during 2023 training camp in Pittsburgh, PA.
It has been impressive to watch Austin emerge in 2024. The Steelers have used his speed to their advantage and he has found the end zone several times, which has been a good complement to George Pickens' success.
Steelers Looking To Take Down Bengals In Week 13
At the time of the score, Pittsburgh tied the game with a score of 14-14. Many weren't sure what to expect entering the contest, but it could end up being a shootout, Both teams are coming off of byes and have fresh legs. There should be plenty of twists and turns, but one of the more satisfying videos from the matchup for fans in the Steel City will be Austin torching Hilton for a big score.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III (#19) makes a tough catch during a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Did you enjoy watching a Steelers wide receiver beat Hilton badly over the middle of the field for a touchdown? Let us know in the comments below!
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