Steelers squander opportunities and trail Bengals at halftime

Jan 4, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) runs the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

In the biggest game of the season for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals, this one has shaped up about as expected. The Steelers defense has bent but not break, holding the Bengals to just 13 points in the first half. Meanwhile the Steelers offense has been anemic with no rhyme or reason to what offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is trying to do.

The Steelers had multiple opportunities to make plays on offense but an ultra-conservative gameplan and more lackluster effort was the theme of the first half. Quarterback Russell Wilson finished with just 45 passing yards on only four completions.

The Steelers now have 30 minutes to turn things around and hopefully get the win. It would not only eliminate the Bengals from playoff contention but lock in the No. 5 seed regardless of what happens in Sunday’s games.