Postgame Observations: Bengals' Offense Struggles Without Joe Burrow in 16-10 Loss to Steelers

Cincinnati falls to 5-6 on the year. They're 0-4 in the AFC North.

Author:
James Rapien
Publish date:
Nov 26, 2023 3:49 PM EST

In this story:

CINCINNATI — The Bengals didn't score in the second half and ultimately lost to the Steelers 16-10 on Sunday at Paycor Stadium.

Cincinnati led 7-3 at halftime, but they didn't score again until late in the fourth quarter and struggled to move the ball without Joe Burrow.

The Bengals fall to 5-6 on the season. They've lost three-straight games and are 0-4 in the AFC North.

Here are our postgame observations:

Browning's Performance

Jake Browning was uneven in his first NFL start. The numbers look solid.

He made some good throws and started the game 6-of-7 for 70 yards and one touchdown. He also connected with Ja'Marr Chase deep downfield for a 25-yard gain.

For as much good as there was, there were plenty ugly plays. Browning threw a bad interception on 3rd-and-7 from the Steelers' 18-yard line.

Cincinnati was in scoring range and had a chance to extend their lead, but Browning stared at Chase and was intercepted by Trenton Thompson.

Browning completed 19-of-26 passes for 226 yards and one touchdown. He was also sacked four times.

What Running Game?

The Bengals' running game was non-existent on Sunday. Joe Mixon finished with 16 yards on eight attempts. Chase Brown didn't get a touch, despite being activated from injured reserve on Saturday.

Mixon was the only running back to touch the ball, with Trayveon Williams serving as a pass blocker and kick returner.

Mixon did have two receptions for 44 yards, including a 39 yard catch late in the fourth quarter.

Defense Bends

The Bengals' defense didn't give up many points, but they gave up a plethora of explosive plays. Kenny Pickett threw for a season-high 278 yards.

The Steelers surpassed 400 yards of total offense for the first time since Week 2 of the 2020 season (58 games).

Murphy Flashes

Bengals first round pick Myles Murphy played well on Sunday, finishing with three tackles (one for loss) one sack and one quarterback hit.

The 28th overall pick appeared to get an uptick in playing time and made the most of it.

DJ Turner II Shines

Turner also played well as he moved into the starting lineup with Cam Taylor-Britt out with a quad injury. The rookie went toe-to-toe with Diontae Johnson all game long.

He forced an incompletion in the end zone that would've been a touchdown in the first half. He also had a fumble recovery.

Turner finished with five tackles and two passes defensed.

Up Next

The Bengals travel to Jacksonville to play the Jaguars on Monday, Dec. 4 at 8:15 p.m. ET.

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