Halftime Observations: Cincinnati Bengals Hanging Tough, Lead Pittsburgh Steelers 7-3

CINCINNATI — The Bengals have a 7-3 lead over the Steelers at the half.

Cincinnati is hoping to snap a two-game losing streak and pick up their first AFC North win of the season.

Here are our halftime observations:

Touchdown Drive

The Bengals settled for punts on their first two drives, but Jake Browning led Cincinnati on a four-play, 53-yard touchdown drive.

Browning found Ja'Marr Chase for a 31-yard pass. It was tipped, but Chase kept his concentration, made the catch over the middle and ran for a big gain.

Browning found Mixon for a 5-yard gain and then hit Drew Sample in the flat on 2nd-and-5. The veteran tight end ran through his own teammate (Mitch Wilcox) on his way to the end zone.

It's Browning's second touchdown pass of the season. Sample also has two touchdown receptions this season.

Watch the play here.

Key Turnover

The Steelers appeared to score a touchdown on their second drive when Kenny Pickett found Diontae Johnson in the end zone. Rookie cornerback DJ Turner II was beat, but he quickly closed on Johnson and dislodged the ball before the receiver completed the catch.

Zach Carter forced Jaylen Warren to fumble on the next play. Turner recovered and ran 28 yards up the sideline.

Instead of trailing 7-0, the Bengals didn't give up any points and put their offense in an advantageous position. Cincinnati didn't score, but the defense kept points off the board.

The Bengals Will Win If...

They find ways to move the ball on offense. They had the touchdown drive and they haven't turned the ball over.

Combine that with a few nice plays by Browning and they're in a decent spot offensively, but they only scored seven points. Finding a way to manufacture points, even field goals, will be crucial as they try to maintain their lead.

On defense, they've given up multiple explosive plays, including passes of 39, 29 and 24 yards. Limiting the Steelers' big plays and forcing another turnover or two would go a long way as the Bengals attempt to steal a win over their AFC North rivals.

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