The Pittsburgh Steelers have no intention of underestimating the Cincinnati Bengals as they prepare for their Week 13 clash.
Despite Cincinnati’s disappointing 4-7 record, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin recognizes the threat posed by Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, whose stellar 2024 campaign has been overshadowed by his team’s struggles.
“Joe Burrow is playing at an MVP-caliber level,” Tomlin said during his pregame remarks. “When you look at the tape, particularly in their divisional matchups, you see what he’s capable of. He threw so many touchdowns in those two Baltimore games, and Ja’Marr Chase alone had five. That kind of performance speaks volumes about their offensive potential.”
Burrow Leading Despite Adversity
Burrow’s numbers this season back up Tomlin’s praise. Ranking third in the league in passing yards and tied for first in passing touchdowns with an outstanding 27-4 TD-INT ratio, Burrow has been the driving force behind Cincinnati’s offense. Without him, the Bengals would likely find themselves in an even deeper hole.
Their offensive firepower, featuring Burrow, Chase, and Tee Higgins, has kept Cincinnati competitive in games, even as their overall record reflects a season of frustration. “This team has the ability to drop 30 points on any given day,” Tomlin added. “They’re not where they want to be because they haven’t played complementary football. But you can see how dangerous they are.”
Advertisement
We’re on Social Media
Follow us on X
See more football highlights
Bengals’ Season on the Brink
While the Bengals have struggled to string together wins, Burrow’s elite play gives them a glimmer of hope. The team’s inability to close out games has resulted in heartbreaking losses, including some narrow defeats that have left their franchise quarterback visibly frustrated.
Burrow, however, has remained undeterred. He knows Cincinnati’s margin for error is razor-thin as the team tries to salvage its season. With their playoff hopes fading, the Bengals must capitalize on their potential immediately if they hope to claw back into contention.
Tomlin’s Tactical Approach
Tomlin’s respect for Burrow’s late-game heroics is evident. “They’re a 60-minute team,” he explained. “You see teams slow them down early, but by the fourth quarter, Burrow and that offense are firing on all cylinders. They get comfortable as the game progresses, adapting to what defenses are doing. That’s something you have to prepare for. You can’t just defend for a half or three quarters—you need enough defense to last the entire game.”
The Steelers, fresh off a snowy loss to Cleveland in Week 12, are acutely aware of the stakes. At 7-4, Pittsburgh is firmly in the playoff race, but a loss to Cincinnati could shake their momentum. Tomlin’s team will need to contain Burrow and the Bengals’ high-powered attack while generating offensive consistency of their own.
MVP Contention Derailed by Record
There’s little doubt that Burrow’s name would be in the MVP conversation if Cincinnati’s record were better. His production has been exceptional, but the team’s lack of wins has kept him out of the spotlight in a season dominated by other contenders.
“Wins aren’t a quarterback stat,” Tomlin said, reiterating a popular refrain in NFL circles. “But Burrow has done everything in his power to give his team a chance.”
A Pivotal Matchup
As the Bengals host the Steelers on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET, the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Cincinnati, it’s a chance to reignite their playoff hopes. For Pittsburgh, it’s an opportunity to solidify their position in the AFC race while proving they can withstand one of the league’s most dangerous offensive units.
Tomlin knows that despite Cincinnati’s record, this game won’t be a walk in the park. With Burrow at the helm, the Bengals remain a formidable opponent capable of turning any game into a shootout. “You can’t take a guy like Burrow lightly,” Tomlin said. “He’s proven time and again that he can carry his team when it matters most.”
All eyes will be on the AFC North showdown as two divisional rivals clash in a battle that could shape the playoff landscape for both teams.