This is the ninth in a 13-part weekly series examing the history of the Pittsburgh Steelers versus their 2020 opponents.
Over the last decade, the Steelers have owned the Cincinnati Bengals with an 18-3 record. Rookie Joe Burrow has taken over the Bengals quarterback position and will, undoubtedly, have something to say about their future contests versus the Steelers. Let’s take a look at the history between these franchises.
First game: Nov. 2, 1970 (Steelers, 21 Bengals, 10)
Head-to-head record: 66-35
Points scored: Pittsburgh, 2236 Cincinnati, 1753
Longest winning streak: Steelers (10)
Postseason matchups: 2 (Steelers)
In the 101 games between the Steelers and the Bengals, there has never been a tie.
The biggest blowout of the series occurred in 2011 when the Steelers defeated the Bengals, 35-7.
Pittsburgh has been on the winning end of both of the series shutouts — the first went down on Oct. 19, 1992, when they blanked the Bengals, 20-0. On Oct. 15, 2000, the Steelers handed the winless Bengals their second shutout, 15-0.
The most exciting game in recent history was, without a doubt, the 2016 Wild Card. In the third quarter, the Steelers were ahead 9-0 thanks to three Chris Boswell field goals. A Ben Roethlisberger to Martavis Bryant connection midway through the third put the Steelers up 15-0 after a failed two-point conversion. But the Bengals weren’t giving up, and the Steelers wouldn’t score again until the game-winning field goal with 14 seconds left.
After a rough start, it appeared as if the Bengals were going to beat the Steelers 16-15 and head to the divisional round of the playoffs. Then, in the final minutes of the game, linebacker Ryan Shazier forced running back Jeremy Hill to fumble, and cornerback Ross Cockrell covered. Roethlisberger, who returned moments earlier from a shoulder injury, wasn’t able to connect with his receivers. Back-to-back penalties, one from Vontez Burfict and the second from Adam “Pacman” Jones gave the Steelers 30 yards and put them in field goal range to win the game. Thank you, Bengals.
Pittsburgh has beat the Bengals in every game since.
This year’s contest will be the first of the Joe Burrow era. I’m sure T.J. Watt will give him a warm welcome.
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