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The Cincinnati Bengals entered Monday night with a chance to end their 11-game losing streak to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Right from the start, it was obvious that the Bengals were playing with a level of energy on the defensive side of the ball that we haven’t seen this season.
After each team exchanged two punts, the Bengals recovered a fumble that resulted in a FG ,giving them the early 3-0 lead.
However, the Steelers couldn’t stop turning the ball over, as another fumble resulted in a four-yard Giovani Bernard scoring run to make it 10-0.
Once again, the Bengals’ defense forced a turnover as they came up with an interception that resulted in another Bernard touchdown, pushing the lead to 17-0.
Neither team was able to find points the rest of the half, and surprisingly, the Bengals held a 17-0 lead at the break.
The Bengals received the ball to start the second half and immediately had a 3-and-out. That was followed by a four-play TD drive by the Steelers to get on the board 17-7.
After another 3-and-out, the Steelers march down the field but were held to a FG, moving the score to 17-10.
With all of the momentum with the Steelers, the Bengals needed to answer, and that is what they did.
After forcing a Steelers punt, Ryan Finley led a nine-play 80-yard TD drive capped off by him taking a read option play into the end zone to push the lead to 24-10 in the 4th quarter.
The Bengals had a chance to put a cap on this one, but a dropped INT and a costly pass interference penalty allowed the Steelers to find the end zone to make it 24-17 with just over five minutes to play.
The Bengals were able to burn some time, but the Steelers got the ball back with a chance to tie it up with just over two minutes to go. ,
However, the Bengals were able to get a stop on 4th down and knocked home a FG to ice this one, as the good guys beat the Steelers 27-17 on Monday Night Football.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the game:
Monday Night Football@Bose | #SeizeTheDEY pic.twitter.com/AEHYB2dr6C
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 21, 2020
This feels like when Ralphie finally snapped and unloaded on Scut Farkus. #Bengals
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) December 22, 2020
STEELER AND BENGAL GAMES DO BE GIVING US SOME CLASSIC TAUNTING
— BB (@Beehighb534) December 22, 2020
.@Vonn knocks it out from Pittsburgh TikTok star.
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 22, 2020
WATCH on ESPN pic.twitter.com/n4BNZHcJ0J
KEEP DANCING JUJU pic.twitter.com/ucaghlQTY7
— Cincinnati (@CincyProblems) December 22, 2020
Fun Fact: Juju Smith Schuster has more TikToks (95) than receiving yards in a game this season (93). pic.twitter.com/l0Rz7eff37
— ✈️ (@mldiffley) December 22, 2020
Confirmed: watching is not as fun as playing.
— Joey Burrow (@JoeyB) December 22, 2020
remember those Steeler fans who said Baker's 22/22 5 TDs wasn't impressive because it was vs the Bengals? Well...
— Quincy Carrier (@Kwen_C) December 22, 2020
The two-win Bengals without Joe Burrow are bullying the Steelers, talking trash, high-stepping, making big hits and winning 17-0... Something is happening in Cincinnati tonight. #Bengals
— Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) December 22, 2020
What the heck is going on I turn on the game and cincy is smashing the Steelers this can’t be true without joe burrow this nuts any given Monday I guess..!
— King me (@sammywatkins) December 22, 2020
Good ol #CINvsPIT rivalry, love to see it!
— Marvin Jones Jr (@MarvinJonesJr) December 22, 2020
I enjoy the Bengals Steelers rivalry more than the Ravens Steelers rivalry
— Fat Paulie (@ASAPVELL18) December 22, 2020
The #Bengals had a change to plunge the dagger on their last two series and went 3 and out on both.
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonATH) December 22, 2020
A few notable first half stats:
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 22, 2020
Roethlisberger: 7 of 16 for 19 yards and an INT.
Steelers: 40 yards on 29 plays and two first downs.
Teams combined 3 of 16 on third downs
The #Bengals would have an even bigger lead if they had a QB that could throw.
— Marc C (@mcthekid75) December 22, 2020
How I wish the Bengals had Joe Burrow tonight
— Optout Lardass (@C_Petitt) December 22, 2020
Carl Lawson is having himself a game rushing the passer. #Bengals
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) December 22, 2020
#Bengals defense holds in the red zone and forces a 25-yard FG by Boswell and #Steelers within 17-10 with 20 minutes still play
— Richard Skinner (@Local12Skinny) December 22, 2020
Steelers Bengals is always violent. Physical football. All these hits making me jumpy
— Old Soul (@mrold_soul) December 22, 2020
A Ryan Finley read option. WOW
— Tyler Dragon (@TheTylerDragon) December 22, 2020
Nine plays, 80 yards, 5 first downs, 5:54 off the clock.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 22, 2020
That was ideal in every way.
Bengals lead, 24-10. We have 11:21 left.
Current mood pic.twitter.com/glktVHUlO2
— Matt Minich (@CoachMinich) December 22, 2020
Carl Lawson has been dominant tonight.
— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) December 22, 2020
William Jackson just dropped on INT.
— Santa Baby (@Ben_Baby) December 22, 2020
Like dropping Virat Kohli during a run chase. Could come back to haunt you.
In a twist, Bengals have dropped more Roethlisberger passes than Steelers tonight. Whew
— John Toperzer (@PiratesTalk) December 22, 2020
WJ3 went from an almost INT to a dropped interception and costly penalty.
— Lindsay Patterson (@LndsPatterson) December 22, 2020
my god the bengals ran a QB sneak on 3rd and 1 and it worked. why don't more teams do this
— Robert O'Neill (@RobertONeill31) December 22, 2020
They try another QB keeper. It does not work this time.
— Paul Dehner Jr. (@pauldehnerjr) December 22, 2020
Bengals defense is going to need to get a stop in the final minutes.
You've seen this movie a few times this season.
That’s the best play of Darius Phillips’ career, and it might be the first time Cincinnati has ever stopped a deep pass from Ben Roethlisberger on a scramble play.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) December 22, 2020
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 22, 2020
#Bengals pic.twitter.com/AYzKbITFBX
— Lance McAlister (@LanceMcAlister) December 22, 2020
Bengals beat Steelers, Jets beat Rams, just as everyone expected...
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 22, 2020
Great win!!!!#whodey
— Dj Reader (@Djread98) December 22, 2020
ANY GIVEN MONDAY!!!
— Trae Waynes (@TWaynes_15) December 22, 2020
CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY! pic.twitter.com/uHFZGynqQK
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 22, 2020