Tyler Boyd set the tone in win over Steelers

With wide receiver Tee Higgins ruled out as the Bengals hit the road for a 1 pm ET game vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati needed someone to step up and make plays.

Both of their other star receivers — rookie Ja’Marr Chase and veteran Tyler Boyd — did just that.

For Boyd, it was a special return to Pittsburgh, as the former second-round pick played his collegiate ball for the Pittsburgh Panthers. Boyd still holds many receiving records for the university, so he’s a well-known name in the city.

Seemingly set for a big 2021 season, Boyd struggled to get going through the first two weeks. Coming into Week 3, the 6-foot-2 wideout had 13 targets, 10 receptions, 105 yards, and zero touchdowns.

On Sunday, he changed that last one, as Boyd set the tone with an impressive first-quarter touchdown.

The Bengals only had two real threats in Chase and Boyd. Boyd finished the game with four receptions and 36 yards. He had a long of 17 that was the touchdown.

With his ability to create in the middle of the field, Boyd is continuing to prove why he should be considered one of the league’s best slot receivers.

The Bengals beat the Steelers in Cincinnati last season, a game Boyd didn’t have a catch in, so you know this one felt special for him. That Monday Night Football clash saw the Bengals led by Ryan Finley to an upset win, though this felt more like the feel real victory since both teams still have nearly a full season left.

Prior to that game late last season, Boyd had not beaten the team he’s shared a city with for several years. This time, he managed to play a key piece of the puzzle in crushing the Steelers.

Boyd and Chase, along with Joe Mixon, Joe Burrow and a dominant defense, stepped up big time against their divisional rival on the road.