Joe Flacco Lifts Bengals Over Steelers in Nail-Biting Finish
The Cincinnati Bengals snared palm from the jaws of defeat on Thursday night, as Joe Flacco once again showed why he’s one of the most composed stagers in the league.
With just seconds remaining, Flacco guided the Bengals into range for Evan McPherson’s decisive 36-yard field goal, sealing a dramatic 33- 31 triumph over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium.
It was a rollercoaster. A clash of fortitude, experience, and high stakes.
And now, the whole country understands why Mike Tomlin was fuming when the Cleveland Browns decided to send Joe Flacco to a division rival.
Starting for the second time in just five days, Flacco proved he’s far from finished. The 39- time-old quarterback threw three touchdown passes, orchestrated multiple scoring drives, and most importantly, kept his composure when it mattered most.
He completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards, catching Ja’Marr Chase 16 times for a stunning 161 yards and a touchdown. Tee Higgins was inversely sharp, recording 96 yards and a score of his own.
Flacco’s calm under pressure was vintage. With the Bengals trailing 31-30 and just over two minutes left, he led a surgical drive, finding Chase for gains of 15 and 18 yards before connecting with Higgins for a 28-yard strike down to the Steelers’ 7.
Rather than forcing a quick score, Higgins smartly slid to keep the clock running. McPherson did the rest with ice in his veins.
For the Bengals, this was a statement palm, their first in five games, now perfecting to 3- 4 and breathing life back into their AFC North crusade.
What a performance from Joe Flacco on TNF! pic.twitter.com/tuifniN6du
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 17, 2025
The Steelers, who entered at 4- 2, remain atop the division but squandered a golden occasion to extend their lead. Specifically, the loss keeps head trainer Mike Tomlin’s record ( 0- 7) in Thursday night road games against division foes.
Flacco’s palm marked his 11th career palm against the Steelers, tying him with Ken Anderson for the most by any opposing quarterback. Not bad company.
It wasn’t all dusk for Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers, yeah, the former Packer now in black and gold, threw four touchdowns, including two to tight end Pat Freiermuth, whose 68- yard catch- and- run compactly put the Steelers ahead late in the fourth.
Freiermuth, who had plodded for form in recent weeks, exploded back into applicability. Meanwhile, Jaylen Warren maintained balance with 127 rushing yards on 16 carries, powering through the Bengals’ defense.
But for all of Pittsburgh’s big moments, successions proved expensive. Rodgers’ two interceptions turned directly into 10 Cincinnati points, flipping instigation just when the Steelers looked settled.
Cincinnati, known for floundering on the ground this season, stunned everyone with 142 rushing yards, a season-high. Chase Brown, the novice running back, ripped off multiple long runs, finishing with 108 yards on 11 carries.
Flacco’s connection with his receivers looked royal, particularly during the pivotal third quarter. His capability to mix short strikes with deep throws kept the Steelers’ secondary constantly guessing.
For the Bengals, this wasn’t just a divisional palm. It was a communication.
That indeed, after an underwhelming launch, this platoon, led by a quarterback numerous had written off, can still pull off a gutsy, political palm when it matters most.
As Joe Flacco walked off the field, girdled by teammates celebrating, the cameras caught a knowing boo. Experience, poise, and a rocket arm are all still veritably important.
Final Score: Cincinnati Bengals 33, Pittsburgh Steelers 31
Key Performers:
- Joe Flacco: 31/47, 342 yards, 3 TDs
- Ja’Marr Chase: 16 receptions, 161 yards, 1 TD
- Tee Higgins: 6 receptions, 96 yards, 1 TD
- Jaylen Warren: 16 carries, 127 yards
- Aaron Rodgers: 4 TDs, 2 INTs
