Steelers vs. Bengals Scouting Report: Will the Old Gunslingers Light Up the Sky Again?

Two veteran QBs, Ben Roethlisberger and Andy Dalton, mid-pass under stadium lights

Two legends of the AFC North, still slinging it after all these years.

Picture this: a chilly December night in Pittsburgh, the stadium lights cutting through the crisp air like spotlights on a Broadway stage. Two quarterbacks—one in black and gold, the other in orange and black—stand in the pocket, eyes locked downstream. They’ve been doing this dance for over a decade, trading haymakers like heavyweight boxers in the late rounds. The question isn’t just who will win this time. It’s how much fireworks will they give us before the final whistle?

That’s the beauty of Steelers vs. Bengals in 2021 (or any year, really). This isn’t just another AFC North grudge match—it’s a masterclass in quarterback longevity, a clash of franchises that refuse to rebuild, and a reminder that the NFL’s most entertaining games often come from the teams that should be past their prime. So grab your Terrible Towel or your striped tiger helmet—we’re breaking down why this matchup still feels like must-see TV, even with two QBs who’ve seen more snaps than a Netflix binge-watcher.

Why This Rivalry Still Feels Like the Main Event

Let’s be real: the Steelers and Bengals aren’t the sexiest teams in the NFL right now. Pittsburgh’s offense looks like it’s running on fumes (and a whole lot of Najee Harris), while Cincinnati is… well, still trying to prove they’re not just "the team that drafts well but folds in January." So why does this game still feel like a heavyweight bout?

The QBs: Roethlisberger vs. Burrow (Wait, Dalton Who?)

Okay, full disclosure: Joe Burrow is the Bengals’ QB now, not Andy Dalton. But if we’re talking air shows and veteran gunslingers, it’s impossible not to tip the cap to the redheaded stepchild of QB lore. Dalton and Big Ben duked it out 20 times from 2011–2019, trading wins like kids swap Pokémon cards. Their battles were the definition of "ugly but fun"—think interception-fests, last-second drives, and at least one player getting carted off per game (usually a Steeler, because of course).

Now, Burrow’s the new sheriff in town, but the script hasn’t changed much. In their last meeting (a 41–10 Bengals shellacking in Week 12), Burrow threw for 353 yards and 3 TDs while Big Ben… well, let’s just say he looked like a guy who’d been hit by a truck. Twice. But here’s the thing: Ben Roethlisberger has spent his entire career proving people wrong when they count him out. And nothing gets his competitive juices flowing like a division rival—especially one that just embarrassed him on national TV.

Last time these two met? Yeah, it wasn’t pretty for the Steelers. (via NFL YouTube)

The AFC North: Where Defense Goes to Die (and Offenses Go Wild)

If you love high-scoring, defense-optional football, the AFC North is your Disneyland. In 2021, three of the four teams (Steelers, Bengals, Ravens) rank in the top 10 for passing yards allowed. Translation: QBs get to pad their stats like it’s Madden on rookie mode. Here’s how the numbers shake out:

Steelers defense: Allowing 258.3 passing yards/game (24th in NFL). Their secondary looks like Swiss cheese—except Swiss cheese can at least try to hold its shape.
Bengals defense: Not much better at 253.8 passing yards/game (22nd). Their pass rush (led by Trey Hendrickson) is legit, but their DBs have the consistency of a Wi-Fi signal in a thunderstorm.
Offensive firepower: Both teams have weapons. The Bengals boast Ja’Marr Chase (ROTY favorite), Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd. The Steelers counter with Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, and Najee Harris (who’s basically their entire run game).

Add it up, and you’ve got a recipe for 40+ combined points, a few "How did he catch that?!" moments, and at least one defensive coordinator questioning his life choices by the 3rd quarter.

The 3 Battles That’ll Decide This Game

Every Steelers-Bengals game has its own personality. Sometimes it’s a slugfest. Sometimes it’s a track meet. This time? It’s shaping up to be a high-wire act—where one false step means a pick-six or a game-winning drive. Here’s what to watch:

1. Can the Steelers’ O-Line Give Ben 2.5 Seconds?

Big Ben’s mobility these days is best described as "a redwood tree in a hurricane." He’s not running anywhere, so if the Bengals’ pass rush (led by Trey Hendrickson, who has 12 sacks this season) gets home early, it’s going to be a long night for Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ O-line has been… let’s call it "a work in progress." They’ve allowed 43 sacks (3rd-most in NFL), and their run blocking is so inconsistent that Najee Harris probably dreams about pancake blocks.

Key stat: In the Week 12 loss, Ben was sacked 5 times and hit 9 more. If that happens again, the Steelers’ best hope is that Mason Rudolph warms up quickly.

2. Will Ja’Marr Chase Eat the Steelers’ Secondary Alive?

Remember when the Bengals drafted Ja’Marr Chase and everyone said, "Why not Penei Sewell to protect Burrow?" Yeah, about that. Chase has been uncoverable, with 1,146 yards and 9 TDs in his rookie season. And the Steelers’ secondary? They make Minecraft villagers look like lockdown corners.

Last time these teams met, Chase had 4 catches for 105 yards and a TD—and that was with Burrow only playing one half. If the Steelers don’t find a way to bracket him (or at least touch him within 5 yards), he’ll be celebrating in the end zone like it’s his birthday.

3. The Wildcard: Turnovers (Because Of Course)

No Steelers-Bengals game is complete without at least one backbreaking turnover. In their last 10 meetings, there’ve been 31 combined turnovers (16 by Pittsburgh, 15 by Cincinnati). That’s not just a trend—that’s a lifestyle.

Big Ben has thrown 10 interceptions this season, and Burrow isn’t far behind with 9. The team that wins the turnover battle usually wins the game—unless, of course, the other team’s QB decides to channel his inner 2005 and will them to victory anyway.

Bold Predictions, X-Factors, and Why You Should Care

Alright, let’s gaze into the crystal ball (which, full disclosure, is just my coffee-stained notebook). Here’s how this game could play out:

The Over/Under is 47.5—Take the Over

With two defenses that struggle to cover a park bench, let alone NFL receivers, this game is begging to go over the total. Even if the offenses sputter early, one big play (a Chase deep ball, a Claypool toe-tap TD) could swing the scoreboard fast.

Najee Harris Will Be the Steelers’ Entire Offense

The rookie RB has been a bright spot in Pittsburgh’s otherwise anemic offense. He’s averaging 20 touches/game and has scored 6 TDs in his last 5 games. If the Steelers want to keep Burrow off the field, they’ll feed Najee until he (or the Bengals’ D-line) collapses.

Joe Burrow Will Throw for 300+ Yards… But Will It Matter?

Burrow’s been lights-out this season, but the Bengals are 1-4 when he throws for 300+ yards. Why? Because their defense gives up points like Oprah gives out cars. If this turns into a shootout, Cincinnati’s best hope is that their offense can outlast Pittsburgh’s—no small feat when Ben’s in "screw it, I’m throwing deep" mode.

The X-Factor: Weather (Because Of Course It Is)

Forecast for Pittsburgh on game day? 38°F, 15 mph winds, and a 30% chance of rain/snow. That’s not horrible, but it’s enough to make deep passes a gamble. If the conditions deteriorate, expect:

More Najee Harris carries (and possibly a 100-yard game).
Short, high-percentage throws from both QBs (read: a lot of checkdowns to RBs).
At least one misfired deep ball that leads to an INT or a 50/50 jump-ball TD.

How to Watch This Game Like a Pro (Even If You’re Not)

New to the Steelers-Bengals rivalry? Or just want to sound smarter at the watch party? Here’s your cheat sheet:

🎯 What to Yell at the TV

"WHY IS NO ONE COVERING CHASE?!" (Valid at least 3 times per game.)
"Ben, THROW IT AWAY!" (A classic, especially on 3rd-and-long.)
"HOLDING! THAT’S OBVIOUSLY HOLDING!" (Spoiler: It’s never called.)
"Why does Mike Tomlin look so calm?!" (Because he’s seen it all, and he knows the refs are about to bail the Steelers out.)

🍿 Snack Pairings for Maximum Enjoyment

Pittsburgh: Primanti Bros. sandwich (meat, fries, coleslaw—all in the sandwich). Wash it down with an Iron City Beer.
Cincinnati: Skyline Chili (yes, it goes on spaghetti. No, we don’t know why). Pair with a Montgomery Inn BBQ sauce chaser.
Neutral fan: Buffalo wings (because you’re about to watch a lot of pain, and hot sauce makes everything better).

📊 Key Stats to Drop in the Group Chat

"Did you know Ben Roethlisberger is 34-9-1 against the Bengals in his career? That’s not a rivalry—that’s a feudal lordship."
"The Steelers have won 8 of the last 10 at home against Cincinnati. But the Bengals won the last one 41-10. So… who knows?"
"Ja’Marr Chase is on pace for 1,500+ yards as a rookie. The last Bengal to do that? A.J. Green in 2011. And we all know how that era ended."

What’s Next? The AFC North’s Identity Crisis

This might be one of the last times we see Big Ben vs. Burrow with both QBs in their current roles. Ben’s likely retiring after this season (or at least should), and Burrow’s ascending into "franchise QB" territory. So what does the future hold?

The Steelers: Rebuild or Reload?

Pittsburgh’s stuck in no-man’s-land: too good to tank, not good enough to contend. With Ben gone, they’ll turn to Mason Rudolph or a draft pick (please not another 1st-round RB, Steelers). Their defense is aging, and their cap situation is… let’s call it "creative." Expect a 2022 season of growing pains—unless Mike Tomlin pulls another rabbit out of his ever-present hoodie.

The Bengals: Playoffs or Bust?

Cincinnati’s in the best shape they’ve been in since the Marvin Lewis era. Burrow’s a star, Chase is a superstar, and their O-line is… well, better than it was. But the AFC is a meat grinder this year. If they don’t make the playoffs in 2021, the "same old Bengals" narratives will start creeping back.

The Ravens and Browns: Lurking Like Villains

Don’t forget—this division also has Lamar Jackson (who’s quietly having an MVP-caliber year) and the Browns (who are one OBJ return away from being scary). The AFC North isn’t just Steelers vs. Bengals anymore. It’s a four-team brawl, and 2022 could be the wildest year yet.

Final Verdict: Who Wins, and Why You Should Watch

Look, I’m not here to give you a boring "Steelers 24, Bengals 20" prediction. This game is about narratives:

Is Ben Roethlisberger really done, or does he have one last magic trick?
Can Joe Burrow silence the doubters and beat Pittsburgh twice in a season?
Will the Bengals’ defense show up, or will they make Steelers fans forget how bad their O-line is?

This isn’t just a game—it’s a throwback to an era when QBs were judged by grit, not QBR. When rivalries were built on hatred, not analytics. When a 37-year-old QB with a noodle arm could still will his team to victory because that’s just what he does.

So set the DVR, order the wings, and prepare for a game that’ll have you yelling at the TV, cheering like a madman, and—if you’re a Steelers or Bengals fan—questioning your life choices by the 4th quarter.

📺 How to Watch: Sunday, 1:00 PM ET on CBS. Or, if you’re lucky, at a sports bar where no one judges you for wearing a Terrible Towel as a cape.

🔥 Your Turn: Who Ya Got?

Are the Bengals ready to exorcise their Steelers demons? Or will Big Ben pull off one last heist? Drop your predictions in the comments—and if you’re feeling bold, tell us your score prediction for a chance to be featured in our next rivalry breakdown!

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