Bengals Week 3 awards in 24-10 win over Steelers

What a game. The Cincinnati Bengals pulled out another signature win in the Zac Taylor era—once again coming at the hands of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

There were many bright spots this week, so there are a lot of options for you in our weekly awards. Cast your vote and sound off on your winners!

Most Valuable Player

Joe Burrow:

“Efficiency” was the name of No. 9’s game this week, as he threw just 18 times. He completed 14 of them (78% completion rate) though, for 172 yards and three touchdowns. Burrow bounced back nicely from an early interception and was seen maneuvering the pocket at the highest level thus far in 2021.

Ja’Marr Chase:

What was that chatter about what Cincinnati should do with that No. 5 pick? The youngster had his third long touchdown catch in as many pro games and has four to his name already. He had four catches for 65 yards and two touchdowns in a game the Bengals sorely needed big plays from their receiver corps that was missing Tee Higgins.

Logan Wilson:

The second-year linebacker is quietly rising to national prominence this season. He had two huge interceptions of Ben Roethlisberger, 14 total tackles and one for loss. Burrow parlayed Wilson’s two interceptions into 14 points.

Sam Hubbard:

The Bengals’ defense was swarming this Sunday, sacking Big Ben four times and bringing numerous pressures. Hubbard did a little bit of everything this week, notching six total tackles and a sack.

Jessie Bates:

The Bengals’ safety was the second-leading tackler on the day with eight on Steelers’ ball-carriers. He was also a major reason the Bengals’ didn’t allow any deep plays through the air on Sunday. Bates was the team’s second-highest PFF scorer with an 82.4.

Unsung Hero of the Week

Jackson Carman:

When we came up with this award, one of the major criteria points for it was in a player stepping up in the wake of injury and playing well. Carman got his first NFL start on the road in Pittsburgh and held his own. It wasn’t a perfect day from the rookie, but the Bengals almost cracked the 100-yard rushing mark, while also disallowing any sacks from Steelers defenders.

Tyler Boyd:

The veteran wide receiver made a statement early with his initial touchdown reception. After making a tough catch across the middle, Boyd took a big hit, but pin-balled off of it to scoot into the end zone. He finished with four catches for 36 yards and the score on the afternoon.

Joe Mixon:

The team’s star running back gave Pittsburgh a taste of their own medicine with hard-fought yards and quality runs. Though he didn’t get into the end zone, he had 18 rushes for 90 yards and five yards per carry. He also had a catch for four yards.

Trey Hendrickson:

Hendrickson was pressuring Roethlisberger often and translated one into a sack. That play came at an important time, as Pittsburgh was driving in the third quarter to get into the end zone and make it a closer game. Instead, it pushed the Steelers into an eventual field goal try. The team’s big free agent acquisition had the third-highest PFF score with an 80.3.

Mike Hilton:

Hilton didn’t have too many big plays on the field Sunday, but he seems to have been a big catalyst to the Bengals’ inspired play at Heinz Field. In postgame pressers, a couple of Bengals players noted Hilton’s addressing of the team on two separate occasions and how it resonated with even longtime Bengals. Hilton did have four tackles and was also part of a secondary that didn’t allow anything over their heads.

Play of the Game

Logan Wilson’s first quarter interception:

The game was at a standstill as the first quarter was ending, but Wilson changed that with a fantastic play. Showing immense athleticism, Wilson made a diving interception that gave a major momentum swing to the Bengals.

Tyler Boyd’s 17-yard touchdown reception:

Wilson’s interception led to a really physical touchdown catch by Cincinnati’s “Mr. Reliable”. After making the grab, Boyd bounced off of Melvin Ingram and bounded into the end zone.

Ja’Marr Chase’s 34-yard touchdown reception:

Much like the end of the first quarter, the second quarter was at a bit of a standstill. The Bengals were trying to get those oh-so-valuable points before halftime and they did so in style with a fingertips grab by Chase on a dart by Burrow.

Logan Wilson’s third quarter interception:

Wilson struck again in the third quarter to start the wave of plays that ended the Steelers’ chances. The second-year linebacker stepped in front of a receiver to snag another interception. It led to another touchdown right afterward.

Ja’Marr Chase’s nine-yard touchdown reception:

The rookie is having a start of a season for the ages. Right after the second Wilson interception, Chase ran a route across the field and Burrow hit him after scanning options. Cincinnati’s offensive line provided great protection on the play and it was a dagger to the Steelers.