Rudolph connects with Pickens again to extend Steelers' lead | Steelers lead 31-8

[MaxTiger]

The Cincinnati Bengals are looking to hang onto their playoff hopes with a win in Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Steelers lead the Bengals 31-8.The Steelers have kept up their commanding lead in the second half as Mason Rudolph connected with George Pickens for his second touchdown of the day. On the Bengals first drive of the second half, Browning connected with Tee Higgins who ran 80 yards for Cincinnati's first touchdown of the day. The Bengals then successfully converted for two points after Browning passed to Joe Mixon. The Bengals have struggled both offensively and defensively in the first half, while the Steelers have excelled on both fronts. Bengals QB Jake Browning threw his second interception of the day. Browning intended to pass to Tyler Boyd but safety Eric Rowe picked it off and ran 25 yards. After a somewhat solid drive from the Bengals, QB Jake Browning scrambled out of the pocket and threw a pass straight into the arms of the Pittsburgh defense in the endzone. The Bengals didn't know what to expect from Steelers QB Mason Rudolph and on their first drive, Rudolph connected with George Pickens who ran 86 yards for their first touchdown of the day. It's an AFC North matchup between a three-game winning streak team and a three-game losing streak team. The Bengals (8-6) are coming off a 27-24 overtime win against the Minnesota Vikings, while the Steelers (7-7) are reeling after a 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Saturday's game is redemption against the Steelers for Bengals QB Jake Browning, who has surpassed all expectations and improved week by week. A win for Cincinnati would also all but ruin Pittsburgh's playoff chances. Despite offensive coordinator Matt Canada's firing, Pittsburgh will have to try and overcome recurring offensive troubles. QB Kenny Pickett will miss his third straight game after he underwent right ankle surgery. Pittsburgh is starting Mason Rudolph, who hasn't started a game since the 2021 season. In the last two games, the Steelers have started Mitch Trubisky, who will serve as Rudolph's backup against Cincinnati. The Bengals will be without JaMarr Chase after he sprained his AC joint in his shoulder against the Vikings. Chase's absence is allowing others like Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, both of whom made critical catches against Minnesota, to step up. Cincinnati will also be without defensive leader DJ Reader who is out for the rest of the season with a torn quad. The Bengals and Steelers kickoff at 4:30 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium. Follow along below:

Source: https://www.wcpo.com/sports/football/be ... h-steelers