Steelers 27, Bengals 3: How Team Notched Its First Win

PITTSBURGH, PA - It took nearly a month, but the Steelers finally got their first victory of the 2019 season Monday, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 27-3 at Heinz Field. Here’s what football writers across the country thought about the game:

• Alaa Abdeldaiem, Sports Illustrated: “It may not have been pretty or exciting, and it certainly wasn’t the Steelers’ offense we’ve been used to, but it ended up being just enough. And while Pittsburgh will likely still try to expand the playbook with Mason Rudolph under center as the season progresses, maybe it’s time to accept Monday night’s outing as the team’s new reality.”

• Brooke Pryor, ESPN: “Powered by pop passes, the Wildcat formation and a rejuvenated ground game, the Pittsburgh Steelers got in the win column for the first time this season. More important, it charted a road map for the Steelers to succeed with quarterback Mason Rudolph in 2019.”

• Jeremy Bergman, NLF.com: “Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner helped out his young signal-caller by having the offense run through the running backs. Utilizing jet sweeps, the Wildcat and sometimes both on the same play, the Steelers spread out a confuddled Cincinnati front and let the tailbacks work.”

• Curt Popejoy, USA Today: “What went right this week? Well first off it was the Bengals. They had been woeful all season and their futility continued on both sides of the football. Additionally, Steelers’ quarterback Mason Rudolph settled into a scheme hand-built by offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner to maximize success for Rudolph and the offense.”

• Tyler Sullivan, CBS Sports: “Offensively, Pittsburgh didn't ask Mason Rudolph to do too much under center. He didn't take too many deep shots and really relied on the running game early. The incorporation of Jaylen Samuels was noticeable after the 2018 fifth round pick saw zero touches in their Week 3 loss to the 49ers and played in just 26 percent of the offensive snaps.”