Steelers Stumble Against Lowly Bengals: Reaction To Dismal Loss

PITTSBURGH, PA — Cincinnati isn't that far from Pittsburgh, but it likely was a long trip home for the Steelers early Tuesday after their stunning 27-17 loss to the Bengals on Monday Night Football. The Steelers entered the game with an 11-2 record and hoped to end a two-game losing streak against the 2-10-1 Bengals, but were thoroughly outplayed in every facet of the game.

The stunning loss opens the door to the very real possibility that the Steelers, who started the season with an 11-0 record, might not win the AFC North title that seemed firmly within their grasp three weeks ago.

Here's what NFL writers across the country thought about the game:

Brooke Pryor, ESPN: "Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers' 38-year-old quarterback, looked every bit his age in the first half, putting together a performance that led to the worst offensive effort in any first half in his 17-season Steelers career.

"In addition to setting new lows in passing yards (7) and yards per play (1.4), the Steelers matched their fewest first downs (two) and most turnovers in a first half (three) with Roethlisberger as their starter en route to a 17-point halftime deficit."

Cody Benjamin and Bryan DeArdo, CBS Sports: "For the first time in three weeks, the Steelers can't blame this loss on drops. They can blame it on their three turnovers, a 25 percent success rate on third down and a substandard run defense. A considerable amount of blame can be placed on Roethlisberger, who struggled with his consistency. He also failed to find the open receiver on numerous occasions."

Grant Gordon, NFL.com: "On the evening in which he became just the seventh player to pass for more than 60,000 yards, Roethlisberger's struggles took center stage more so than any accomplishments founded in the glory of his past seasons. Big Ben's first half had so little to show it was likely the worst 30-minute stanza of his decorated career, as he was a dismal 7-for-16 for 19 yards with an interception.

"The return of Roethlisberger this season was propelling the Steelers to the success they came short of in 2019, but his play has worsened rather than improved as the campaign has carried on."

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: "Roethlisberger has said he wants to come back for the 2021 season. The Steelers might be stuck paying the price for him being around until their eventual elimination this season, but they can't afford to stick with him next year.

"After choosing not to find and stash Roethlisberger's true successor, the Steelers need to tap into a strong QB class in the 2021 draft and roll with that rookie first-rounder like they did with Roethlisberger 16 years ago."

Michael Smith, NBC Sports: "The Steelers are now 11-3 after Monday night’s loss to the Bengals, and the 10-4 Browns still have a chance to win the AFC North.

"If the Steelers lose to the Colts next week, and the Browns beat the Jets, both teams will be 11-4, and the winner of the Week 17 Steelers-Browns game in Cleveland will be the AFC North champion."