Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Cincinnati Bengals 44-38

Russell Wilson has been on the heart of a quarterback controversy since he arrived in Pittsburgh, competing with Justin Fields for the beginning job.

There was no debate on Sunday.

Wilson threw for a season-high 414 yards and three touchdowns, and the Steelers outlasted Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals for a 44-38 victory.

“It was enjoyable. We simply had a good time,” Wilson stated. “We knew it was a matchup. We knew it was going to be a heavyweight struggle.”

Wilson, who’s 5-1 because the Steelers’ starter, logged the second-most passing yards and the third 400-yard recreation of his profession. He threw for 452 yards for Seattle in opposition to Houston on Oct. 29, 2017.

The 13-year veteran completed 29 for 38 because the Steelers (9-3) rebounded from dropping to the Browns 24-19 in a Nov. 21 recreation within the snow in Cleveland. He also threw an interception that was returned for a landing within the first quarter.

“I believed our group smiled within the face of it, notably (Wilson),” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stated. “It is the primary time for him going by way of AFC North soccer, and I believed he acclimated himself to it effectively right this moment. He put himself squarely within the historical past of this collection with that efficiency right this moment.”

The Bengals (4-8) misplaced for the fourth time in 5 video games. In addition they dropped to 1-5 at house, rising the probability that they’ll miss the playoffs for the second straight yr.

Najee Harris had a 10-yard touchdown run and Chris Boswell kicked two discipline targets to assist Pittsburgh to a 27-21 halftime lead. It was the very best scoring first half within the 110 conferences between the longtime rivals. Wilson had 257 yards passing for his finest complete in a primary half in his profession.

Harris completed with 75 yards speeding and 54 yards receiving. George Pickens, Calvin Austin III and Pat Freiermuth caught TD passes for the Steelers.

“We wanted all 44 of these factors right this moment,” Tomlin stated.

Burrow continued his terrific season, going 28 for 38 for 309 yards and three extra touchdowns. He damage his personal trigger when he fumbled within the first half, resulting in a Steelers discipline purpose, and threw a second-half interception.

Burrow fumbled once more within the fourth quarter when he was sacked by Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig, and linebacker Payton Wilson ran it again 21 yards for a TD.

Chase Brown rushed for a landing for Cincinnati. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Andrei Iosivas every had a TD reception.

The Bengals have allowed 34 or extra factors in six video games this season, together with losses in 4 of the final 5.

“Arduous to course of,” Chase stated. “We are able to’t get a win proper now. We’ve had a bit margin for error for some time now. Bought to discover a means.”