Steelers Stun Bengals In Ugly Finish

CINCINNATI, OH — The sleet was sheeting down most of this contest, but it wasn’t the ugliest aspect of the playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. 18 penalties, numerous personal fouls, serious injuries, fans throwing trash, and a bizarre game-ending sequence that saw the Steelers gain 30 yards on an incomplete pass, moving them in range for a game winning field goal that gave them an improbable 18-16 victory.

There was already bad blood between these two teams. It began with a Week 8 matchup that saw the Steelers lose running back Le’Veon Bell to a torn MCL, while the rematch in Week 14 saw the Bengals lose starting quarter back Andy Dalton to a broken thumb. The latter game was prefaced by a midfield scrum during warm-ups, and physical play and post-game barbs were traded, setting up this playoff match-up to be deliciously entertaining.

It was, at the start exactly that – entertaining. In a tight, hard-fought game, the Steelers were in control through first three quarters, jumping out to a 15-0 lead thanks to a strong running game by replacement running backs Fitzgerald Toussaint and Jordan Todman. Pittsburgh eventually found the into end zone on this ridiculous circus catch by wide receiver Martavis Bryant, whom Steelers’ quarterback Ben Roethlisberger  had “lovingly” called out during the week.

Tensions re-emerged following a hit on Cincinnati running back Giovanni Bernard that resulted in both a fumble and an apparently concussed Bernard to lay prone of the field. Bengals players ran across the field to confront Pittsburgh players and a scuffle broke out, with players on both sides needing to be restrained, most notably Vontaze Burfict. On the ensuing drive Burfict sacked Roethlisberger, driving the Steelers’ big QB into the turf shoulder first, leaving him in obvious pain as he left the field on a cart that was peppered with cheers and water bottles by Bengal fans as it left the field.

Backup quarterback Landry Jones came out to try to mount a drive, but was instantly intercepted by Burfict, who then bizarrely sprinted to the tunnel with an escort, presumably in celebration. That joy was short-lived, however, as running back Jeremy Hill fumbled on the very next play, with the Steelers recovering. As much as the Bengals or their fans may want to point to calls made later in this game as the reason for their loss, it was Hill’s fumble right here that changed the dynamic of the end of this game. That, along with Ben Roethlisberger re-entering the game despite a clearly still injured shoulder. The battered Roethlisberger directed the Steelers down the field on an array of runs and short passes.

Roethlisberger then zipped an incomplete pass high to Antonio Brown, who was then brutally clipped in a purposeful headshot by Burfict on the way down causing a concussion to the Steelers’ All-Pro receiver. Incredulous Bengals players gathered around the officials, arguing and pleading, eventually exchanging words with Brown and Steelers coach and former player, Joey Porter as Brown was helped off the field.

Another flag followed, this one on cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones (No. 24, who comes in late there), moving what would have been a 50 yard field goal in slick conditions to a relatively easy 35-yard attempt that kicker Chris Boswell nailed, giving the Steelers an 18-16 lead.

While the ending was joyous for Steelers’ fans, it was an ugly game for football fans in general. Burfict and Jones have long been players that toe the line when it comes to aggressive play, and on the biggest stage, they lost their composure which ended up costing their team and city. Jones was not happy with how the game finished, venting his frustration on social media, and continues to insist Brown was faking his injuries. Cincinnati and Pittsburgh will play each other at least twice again next year: better buckle up because no one is likely to forget this one for a while.