Steelers vs. Bengals score, takeaways: Mitch Trubisky, Pittsburgh sink Cincy in OT for wild Week 1 win

The Steelers survived a wild season opener

CINCINNATI -- A wild game had a somewhat normal finish. After both teams missed game-winning field goal attempts, Steelers kicker Chris Boswell drilled a 53-yard attempt on the final play of overtime to lift Pittsburgh to a 23-20 win in Cincinnati. Two big completions from Mitch Trubisky to Pat Freiermuth on Pittsburgh's final possession set up Boswell's game-winning kick. 

With Clark Harris, the Bengals' long snapper, injured, Cincinnati missed its game-winning field goal attempt in overtime. Pittsburgh, however, was unable to make its first game-winning attempt when Boswell's 55-yard attempt hit the left crossbar 70 seconds after Evan McPherson missed a 29-yard attempt. McPherson, who lost Harris during regulation, had his game-winning point-after attempt blocked by Minkah Fitzpatrick with two seconds left in regulation to force overtime. Prior to the miss, the Bengals tied the score on Joe Burrow's six-yard touchdown pass to Ja'Marr Chase. 

The visiting Steelers, aided by four Bengals turnovers, took a 17-6 lead over the defending AFC champions at halftime. Pittsburgh's defense recorded three first-half interceptions off Burrow, including Fitzpatrick's 31-yard pick-six in the game's opening minutes. The Steelers stretched their lead to 17-3 after Trubisky hit Najee Harris on a 1-yard touchdown pass midway through the second quarter. The score was set up by T.J. Watt's interception of Burrow, who prior to Sunday's game had never thrown multiple interceptions in a first half. 

The only score of the third quarter was Burrow's two-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Boyd that was followed by Burrow's two-point completion to Mike Thomas. Despite Burrow throwing his fourth interception of the game six minutes into the fourth quarter, the Bengals' deficit was just six points when Cincinnati took over at its own 30-yard-line with 6:05 left. From there, the Bengals drove to the Steelers' 2-yard-line before Burrow's fourth-down pass for Chase was broken up in the end zone by Cam Sutton. Cincinnati found the end zone on its next possession before Fitzpatrick's blocked point-after attempt forced overtime. 

Here's a full breakdown from what transpired in Cincinnati: 

Why the Steelers won

The Steelers' opportunistic defense won the game. Pittsburgh's offense did just enough to get the Steelers to the finish line. The Steelers enjoyed a stellar game from Fitzpatrick, who reinforced his status as one of the NFL's best defensive backs. 

Why the Bengals lost 

Five turnovers is almost impossible to overcome, especially when you don't force any on our end. The Bengals were unable to take care of the ball in the first half and were unable to consistently protect Burrow, who spent a large portion of the day on his back. 

Turning point 

The Steelers were in control after Watt sacked Burrow midway through the second quarter with Pittsburgh ahead 17-6. Burrow and Chase connected for a 24-yard gain on the next play to help set up the Bengals' first score. The game was a slugfest from that point forward. 

Play of the game 

After missing his first attempt, Boswell was true on his second field goal attempt in overtime. Boswell made the kick despite considerable wind blowing from left to right. 

Fitzpatrick's blocked point-after attempt also deserves mention, as the two-time All-Pro safety was able to get just enough of the ball to force overtime. 

Big injuries to both teams 

Both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati suffered notable injuries. Bengals wideout Tee Higgins left the game for good after suffering a head injury in the second quarter. Higgins, who caught two passes for 27 yards prior to his injury, was initially questionable to return as he was evaluated for a concussion. 

Harris and Watt left the game during the fourth quarter. Watt suffered a pec injury, while Harris left the game with an injured foot. 

Trubisky solid in Steelers debut 

The former Bears quarterback did not light up the stat sheet in his Steelers debut. He went 21 of 38 for 194 yards along with his touchdown pass to Harris. His two biggest completions in regulation were to tight ends Zach Gentry (32 yards) and Pat Freiermuth (31 yards). Trubisky threw well in overtime, completing a 25-yard pass to Diontae Johnson prior to Boswell's missed field goal attempt. His completions of 26 and 10 yards to Freiermuth moments later set up Boswell's game-winning score. 

Offensive lines struggle

Both offensive lines struggled despite both Pittsburgh and Cincinnati adding talent via free agency this offseason. The Bengals' rebuilt line struggled to protect Burrow, who was sacked seven times by the Steelers' defense. Three of those sacks were tallied by Steelers third-year outside linebacker Alex Highsmith. 

Pittsburgh's offensive line struggled to pry open holes for Harris, who finished the game with 23 yards on 10 carries. The Steelers' leading rusher was receiver Chase Claypool, who gained 36 yards on six carries. 

What's next 

The Steelers will begin the home portion of their schedule next Sunday against the Patriots. Pittsburgh last defeated New England in Week 15 of the 2018 season, a 17-10 win at Heinz Field. Cincinnati will head to Dallas to face the Cowboys for its first road game of the campaign. The Bengals have lost four straight against the Cowboys, including a 30-7 decision back in December of 2020. Cincinnati's last win against Dallas took place in 2004, when Carson Palmer quarterbacked the Bengals to a 26-3 win. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:46 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Boswell's 53-yard FG is good, the Steelers prevail 23-10. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:38 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Bengals forced to punt after Burrow is sacked by Maulet on third down. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:30 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Hit the left crossbar. Bengals take over. What a crazy, crazy, game. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:30 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Boswell to attempt a 55-yard attempt. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:27 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

25-yard completion from Trubisky to Johnson gives the Steelers the ball on their own 45 with 3:28 left in regulation. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:13 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Clapool unable to hang onto the ball on third down, forcing a Steelers punt. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:12 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers get the ball to start overtime and Jaylen Warren gains little on a first down run attempt. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:07 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

The point-after is blocked, so we're headed to overtime. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:03 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Mike Thomas drops the ball. Setting up a dramatic last play. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 4:01 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Flag thrown in the end zone, giving the Bengals a first and goal. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:59 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Chase appeared to give the Bengals the lead by was out of bounds in the end zone. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:54 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Bengals have 60 yards to travel with 1:27 left in the game. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:50 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Cam Sutton breaks up the Bengals' fourth and goal pass. Flag on the field. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:42 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Defensive holding negates T.J. Watt's third-down sack of Burrow, as the Bengals' drive has now reached Pittsburgh's 24-yard-line. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:34 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Najee Harris rips off his best run of the day, an 11-yard carry. As the Steelers' offense picks up a rare first down. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:33 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Interception by Witherspoon after Bengals go for it on fourth down. LS Clark Harris is out with an injury so Bengals had to go for it. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:31 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers' C Mason Cole is questionable to return with an ankle injury. He's been replaced by J.C. Haussenauer. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:29 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Boyd has stepped up with Higgins out. Makes a 22-yard catch on a free play (Steelers were offside) as Bengals cross midfield with 9 minutes left. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:25 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Trubisky shows his athleticism on third down. Bengals bring heavy pressure, Trubisky quickly rolls out before throwing deep to Diontae Johnson. The pass was too high, not wasn't in jeopardy of being picked off. Boswell drills a 48-yarder as Steelers increase their lead to 20-14. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:23 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Nice third-down catch by Diontae Johnson to give the Steelers a first down. They're in Boswell's range now. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:13 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers CB Levi Wallace is questionable to return with an ankle injury. Bengals lost Tee Higgins earlier in the game when he suffered a head injury in the second quarter. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:11 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

End of third, Steelers ahead 17-14. Bengals score the only points of the third and will have the ball when the fourth quarter begins. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:08 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Steelers punt once again. But Harvin boots a 53-yard punt so Bengals start this drive at their own 9 after starting the previous drive inside Pittsburgh territory. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:04 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Trubisky runs for a first down but not sure how he held onto the ball as Hendrickson crushed him from behind. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 3:02 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Trubisky with a shaky start to this drive. Had Pickens open but either didn't see him or didn't want to risk it. Instead takes a two-yard loss. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 2:58 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Burrow hits Thomas to make it a 17-14 game with 4:41 left. Steelers offense needs to show if can do something on this drive. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 2:58 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Burrow hits Pittsburgh native Tyler Boyd for the Bengals first TD of the 2022 season. 9-play, 46-yard drive. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 2:56 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Burrow to Chase for 24 yards on 2nd-and-14 after T.J. Watt's sack. Bengals threatening to score their first TD of the game. Chase up to 82 yards on five catches. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 2:53 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Bengals already in McPherson's range. Despite their four turnovers, Bengals can make this a one-score game assuming they don't lose any ground here. 

[Sep 11, 2022 at 2:51 pm ET · Bryan DeArdo]

Bengals playing the field position game now. This is a big drive for them as they take over in Steelers territory.