The most recent Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats was played on December 23, 2023, in Week 16 of the NFL season at Acrisure Stadium. The game ended with a commanding win for the Steelers with a score of 34–11. This game was crucial for both teams, as they were battling for playoff spots with identical records of 8–7 before the match. It was expected to be competitive, but Pittsburgh took an early lead and never let it go.
| Category | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 34 | 11 |
| Quarterback | Mason Rudolph: 17/27, 290 YDS, 2 TD, 0 INT | Jake Browning: 28/42, 335 YDS, 1 TD, 3 INT |
| Top Rusher | Najee Harris: 19 CAR, 78 YDS, 1 TD | Joe Mixon: 11 CAR, 43 YDS |
| Top Receiver | George Pickens: 4 REC, 195 YDS, 2 TD | Tee Higgins: 5 REC, 140 YDS, 1 TD |
| Other Receivers | Diontae Johnson: 4 REC, 62 YDS | Tyler Boyd: 5 REC, 59 YDS |
| Top Tackler | Elandon Roberts: 10 TKL | Logan Wilson: 11 TKL |
| Turnovers Forced | 3 (3 INTs: Rowe, Highsmith, Peterson) | 0 |
| Sacks | 1 Total | 0 |
| Total Yards | 397 YDS (290 Pass, 107 Rush) | 384 YDS (335 Pass, 49 Rush) |
| First Downs | 22 | 20 |
| Time of Possession | 33:10 | 26:50 |
| Penalties | 4 for 35 Yards | 7 for 60 Yards |
| 3rd Down Conversions | 8/13 | 5/12 |
| Red Zone Efficiency | 3/3 | 1/3 |
| Field Goals | Chris Boswell: 2/2 (Long: 50 YDS) | Evan McPherson: 1/1 |
From the very beginning, the Steelers came in strong. Mason Rudolph, their quarterback, surprised many by starting in place of Kenny Pickett and putting on a show. The Bengals struggled to get into rhythm, with Jake Browning throwing 3 interceptions. The first half ended with Pittsburgh leading 24–0, showing dominance in both offense and defense. Although Cincinnati managed one long touchdown in the third quarter, the Steelers quickly answered back, sealing the game.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head History: Bengals vs Steelers Rivalry
The Bengals vs Pittsburgh Steelers Match Player Stats rivalry is one of the most physical and intense matchups in the NFL. These AFC North teams have been competing since 1970. Over the decades, the Steelers have held a significant edge in the win-loss record. As of the 2023 season, Pittsburgh leads the all-time series with over 69 wins, while the Bengals have fewer than 40 victories. The rivalry has included fierce playoff games, high-stakes late-season battles, and controversial hits that added to the tension between the two teams.
This rivalry gained more national attention during the 2000s and 2010s, especially with players like Vontaze Burfict and Antonio Brown making headlines in aggressive matchups. Fans have witnessed brawls, late hits, and emotional finishes that define the AFC North’s tough style. While the Steelers have historically been the stronger franchise with six Super Bowl wins, the Bengals have closed the gap in recent years, especially with Joe Burrow leading the offense. Still, the Steelers’ strong defense and experienced coaching have made this rivalry unpredictable and thrilling every season.
Quarterback Showdown: Joe Burrow vs Mason Rudolph
In this particular matchup, Joe Burrow did not play due to injury, so backup QB Jake Browning started for the Bengals. On the Steelers’ side, Mason Rudolph stepped in as the starting quarterback and had a breakout performance. Rudolph completed 17 of 27 passes for 290 yards and 2 touchdowns, with no interceptions. He posted a passer rating of 124.0, one of the best in his career. His performance gave Pittsburgh the momentum early, especially with deep throws to George Pickens.
Jake Browning, on the other hand, struggled under pressure. He threw 3 interceptions, one of which came early and set up a Steelers touchdown. Although Browning had 335 passing yards and connected with Tee Higgins on an 80-yard touchdown, his passer rating of 69.0 told the real story. His inconsistency, especially in the red zone, cost the Bengals scoring opportunities. The difference in quarterback play was a major reason the Steelers controlled the game from start to finish.
Rushing Leaders: Running Back Performances
The ground game played a big role for Pittsburgh in this matchup. Najee Harris led the Steelers with 19 carries for 78 yards and one rushing touchdown. His powerful running helped control the clock and maintain Pittsburgh’s lead. Harris was especially effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where he kept the chains moving and converted third downs. His physical style of play wore down the Bengals’ defensive line as the game went on.
For the Bengals, Joe Mixon managed only 43 rushing yards on 11 carries. The Bengals fell behind early, which forced them to rely more on passing than the run game. Mixon was involved in the passing game too, but overall his impact was limited due to the game script. Without a balanced attack, the Bengals struggled to keep drives alive. The rushing yard totals clearly favored the Steelers, and that balance helped them dominate time of possession.
Receiving Highlights: Standout Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
The standout star of the game was George Pickens of the Steelers. Pickens recorded 4 receptions for a massive 195 yards and 2 touchdowns. He scored on plays of 86 and 66 yards, both of which showcased his speed and route-running ability. His chemistry with Rudolph was excellent, and he repeatedly burned Cincinnati’s secondary. Pickens’ performance alone accounted for over two-thirds of Pittsburgh’s total passing yards.
On the Bengals’ side, Tee Higgins led with 5 receptions for 140 yards, including the 80-yard touchdown that gave fans a brief hope. He was the most explosive player for Cincinnati on offense, especially in the third quarter. Tyler Boyd also added 59 yards, but the rest of the receiving core failed to break out. Tight ends were largely quiet on both sides. The difference in explosive plays made by Pickens gave Pittsburgh a big edge in this category.
Defensive Standouts: Tackles, Sacks, and Turnovers
The Steelers defense was relentless. They forced three interceptions, which completely derailed the Bengals’ offensive momentum. Interceptions were recorded by Eric Rowe, Alex Highsmith, and Patrick Peterson, each shifting the tide in Pittsburgh’s favor. The defensive front also applied steady pressure on Browning, though they recorded only one sack. However, their coverage downfield was disciplined, and they limited yards after catch.
Cincinnati’s defense struggled to stop big plays. They failed to contain George Pickens on deep routes and had trouble tackling Najee Harris in space. While Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt made double-digit tackles, most of them were after significant gains. The Bengals’ inability to create turnovers or make stops on third down was a big factor in their loss. Overall, the Steelers won the turnover battle 3–0, which often decides close matchups.
Team Statistics Comparison: Bengals vs Steelers
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of both teams’ stats from the match:
| Stat Category | Steelers | Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Total Yards | 397 | 384 |
| Passing Yards | 290 | 335 |
| Rushing Yards | 107 | 49 |
| First Downs | 22 | 20 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Time of Possession | 33:10 | 26:50 |
| Penalties | 4 (35 yds) | 7 (60 yds) |
The Steelers controlled the game through efficient play-calling and solid defense. While the Bengals had more passing yards, their 3 turnovers erased any advantage. Pittsburgh’s ability to avoid penalties and stay on schedule contributed to their win.
Key Takeaways and Future Implications
This game showed that the Pittsburgh Steelers are a resilient team with depth, especially at quarterback and wide receiver. Mason Rudolph’s strong showing will create questions about the future QB depth chart, while George Pickens proved he is a top-tier talent. If this offensive chemistry continues, Pittsburgh can make a serious playoff push. Their defense continues to be a major strength.
For the Cincinnati Bengals, the absence of Joe Burrow was deeply felt. While Jake Browning showed flashes, his 3 turnovers were too costly. The defense was inconsistent and allowed too many big plays. Cincinnati still has talent, especially on offense, but their playoff chances took a hit. Improvement in decision-making and discipline is crucial if they want to bounce back in the remaining games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the latest Bengals vs Steelers match?
The Pittsburgh Steelers won 34–11 on December 23, 2023.
2. Who was the top performer in the game?
George Pickens was the standout with 195 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.
3. How did the quarterbacks perform?
Mason Rudolph had a great game with 2 TDs. Jake Browning threw 3 interceptions.
4. What was the key difference in the match?
Turnovers and big plays by the Steelers made the biggest impact.
5. What’s next for both teams?
The Steelers are in the playoff race. The Bengals need wins to stay alive.
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