Russell Wilson and Steelers Shine in High-Scoring Battle Against Bengals
It was a game full of fireworks and redemption for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, as Russell Wilson and his receiving corps put on a show against the Cincinnati Bengals. The Steelers, who have been fighting to stay competitive in the AFC North, found themselves in a thrilling back-and-forth contest that showcased their offensive potential. Let’s break it all down.
Wilson to Austin: A Connection Heating Up
On the very first play of the second quarter, Russell Wilson delivered a beauty of a pass to third-year wide receiver Calvin Austin III. The 23-yard touchdown strike was a thing of perfection, as Wilson lofted the ball over Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton, hitting Austin in stride. The score tied the game at 14-14 and marked Austin’s third touchdown in just five weeks. Talk about stepping up!
For some perspective, Austin had only one touchdown during the entire 2023 season. This latest score was eerily similar to the fourth-quarter touchdown the duo connected on during the Steelers’ Thursday night loss to the Browns earlier this season. Clearly, Wilson and Austin are building something special, and it’s starting to pay dividends for Pittsburgh.
3️⃣ ➡️ 1️⃣4️⃣ for six!
📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/CODBv7uWxE
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 1, 2024
Early Setback, Quick Redemption
Wilson’s day didn’t start perfectly, though. Midway through the first quarter, wide receiver George Pickens slipped on a route, leading to an interception by Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt. Taylor-Britt returned the pick 51 yards for a touchdown, giving Cincinnati an early lead. But Wilson didn’t let the mistake rattle him.
Just a few minutes later, Wilson found Pickens for a 17-yard touchdown pass, erasing the earlier miscue and pulling the Steelers back into the game. It was a moment of resilience for both Wilson and Pickens, and it set the tone for the rest of the game.
Freiermuth Caps It Off
As the game progressed, Wilson continued to spread the ball around, and his connection with tight end Pat Freiermuth proved to be another highlight. Late in the third quarter, Wilson hit Freiermuth with a 25-yard touchdown pass, giving the Steelers a crucial score as they battled to keep pace with the Bengals.
MUUUUUUUTH TUDDIE‼️ @pat_fry5
📲 Stream on NFL+: https://t.co/COxKRnr6Mc pic.twitter.com/1WMsZcVSYa
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 1, 2024
Key Takeaways from the Game
Here are some of the standout moments and stats from the Steelers’ performance:
- Calvin Austin III: Three touchdowns in five weeks, showing major growth from last season.
- Russell Wilson: Three touchdown passes, including a 23-yarder to Austin, a 17-yarder to Pickens, and a 25-yarder to Freiermuth.
- Resilience: Wilson and Pickens bounced back quickly after the early interception, proving their mental toughness.
While the final outcome of the game wasn’t included in the source material, it’s clear that the Steelers’ offense is starting to click at the right time. With Wilson finding his rhythm and young playmakers like Austin stepping up, Pittsburgh fans have plenty to be excited about as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Steelers continue their push for a playoff spot in the highly competitive AFC North!
Originally Written by: ESPN Staff
