What they’re saying about the Bengals’ dramatic loss vs. the Steelers: Social media reaction

CINCINNATI, Ohio — It was tough sledding for the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1 as they fell 23-20 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in overtime.

The Bengals had a tough time doing anything against a stifling Pittsburgh defense in the first half. After coming to life in the second half Cincinnati had a chance to win the game on an extra point, but it was blocked by Minkah Fitzpatrick to force overtime.

The Bengals had the advantage on paper. They ran 94 plays compared to Pittsburgh’s 61, had more first downs by a 32-13 margin and held the ball for 43 minutes and 43 seconds compared to 26:17 for the Steelers. However, the Bengals could not overcome five Joe Burrow turnovers.

The Bengals had another opportunity to win in overtime but Evan McPherson kicked the laces and missed wide left from 29 yards out.

Burrow had 338 passing yards on 33 of 53 completions. He had two touchdowns, four interceptions and two fumbles, though the Steelers only recovered one. Ja’Marr Chase had 10 catches for 129 yards and a touchdown and Joe Mixon finished with 87 yards on 27 carries.

Here is how social media reacted during Sunday’s wild game.

First quarter

The Steelers defense started the game hot. They sacked Joe Burrow on the Bengals’ first offensive play and Minkah Fitzpatrick returned an interception 31-yards for a touchdown on their second.

While the Bengals’ offense struggled out the gate it did set up McPherson to break his own Bengals longest field goal record with a 59-yarder in the first quarter.

Steelers fans were not just excited because of how their defense played, but because they haven’t had a first quarter lead in their last few matchups with the Bengals.

The Bengals revamped offensive line struggled with the Steelers defensive front all game. That started in the first quarter.

Second quarter

The second quarter saw the Bengals’ struggles continue.

Pittsburgh capitalized on Watt’s interception by going in for another touchdown.

It didn’t help that Tee Higgins left the game after a hit and was later ruled with a concussion. Cincinnati was able to get on the board again, but couldn’t get out of the half without another turnover.

Third quarter

Joe Burrow was sacked for the fifth time in the third quarter, but a 24-yard catch and run from Ja’Marr Chase had the Bengals at the doorstep. They scored a few plays later to make the score 17-14.

Fourth quarter and overtime

Pittsburgh kicked another field goal to extend their lead a bit more. Then Burrow threw his fourth interception on the following Bengals possession to Ahkello Witherspoon, who CBS Pittsburgh personality Josh Taylor notes has been impressive in a short amount of time for Pittsburgh.

The Bengals would eventually get into the end zone for another touchdown to tie it.

But the Bengals wouldn’t take the lead after McPherson’s extra point was blocked by Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Chris Boswell had a chance to win it in overtime for Pittsburgh, but he hit the left post from 55 yards out.

Of course fans of other AFC North teams had to comment on McPherson’s missed field goal in overtime.

Some fans took to twitter to poke fun at the special teams blunders from both sides after McPherson and Boswell both missed potential game-winners.

With a second opportunity from 53 yards with five seconds left Boswell didn’t miss a second time.

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