The Pittsburgh Steelers had a huge win against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13 after coming off a loss to a different AFC North foe in the Cleveland Browns. In a game where it was deemed to be a shootout from the beginning, both offenses put up major points, but Pittsburgh came out stronger on both sides of the ball. The Steelers' 44 points is the most scored by the team since November of 2018. Russell Wilson threw for over 400 yards and led the offense to one of its best games in a while.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during Week 13 game against the Cincinnati Bengals
It was a back and forth game in the first half. The Steelers' opening drive was disrupted by a pick-six from the Bengals, but Wilson and the offense answered right back with a 70-yard touchdown drive and a faster start compared to previous games.. Pittsburgh's offense got the ball with just under two minutes to go before the end of the first half.
The Steelers were up 24-21 and were set to get the ball after the half, but the offense went down the field, being more aggressive in that situation than what fans have become accustom to. It ended up with a drive that had the potential to allow a show to the end zone, but that was ruined after Pittsburgh held onto a timeout.
The Steelers had a serious potential to go up 31-21 before halftime, but a timeout wasn't called by Head Coach Mike Tomlin until three seconds left, leading to a Chris Boswell field goal and a 27-21 lead at halftime. Tomlin was questioned about this decision during his postgame press conference and whether he wanted to get an end zone shot before halftime. Tomlin had a simple response to his decision.
"No, I didn't," Tomlin said.
Tomlin has been questioned about his clock management from time to time. At the moment, this was a potential mistake as the Bengals' offense was still going down the field on the Steelers' defense and every touchdown mattered. Wilson tried to call a timeout during those last few seconds, but it wasn't rewarded to him.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt goes for a sack against Joe Burrow in Week 13
Pittsburgh's defense made more plays in the second half, which included intercepting and strip-sacking Joe Burrow and returning that fumble for a touchdown. The Steelers' offense continued to roll and scored 10 more points in the second half to win the game 44-38.
If the Steelers ended up losing the contest to a last-second touchdown from the Bengals, Tomlin's decision to not be aggressive and go for a touchdown at the end of the first half would've been heavily criticized. However, the Steelers continued to make plays on both sides of the ball. Besides this decision, Tomlin prepared his team for this game and it showed on the field, especially on offense.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on in a Week 13 game in the 2024 regular season
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Continues His Non-Losing Season Streak
With Week 13's win against the Bengals, Tomlin continues his 18-season streak of never having a losing record. Even if the Steelers somehow lost out, they would finish 9-8 on the season.
Mike Tomlin has STILL never had a losing season pic.twitter.com/juvFWcHeDl
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 1, 2024
Tomlin is the only NFL coach to ever achieve this, but Steeler Nation wants playoff wins, which Tomlin is 5-9 since 2010 and hasn't won a playoff game since 2017. The ceiling seems higher this season as the Steelers' offense is finally picking up speed after having a top defense the past few seasons.
How do you think Tomlin proven himself this season. Will he hopefully get a playoff win if the Steelers make the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!
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