Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) intercepts the ball and runs it for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers takeaways earn 23-20 upset win over Bengals

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 9/11/22

The Bengals twitter account poked fun at the Steelers on Sunday asking, “What are they even steeling?” The Steelers account responded saying they were taking, “The ball.” The Steelers fulfilled this promise, capitalizing on the bumbling Bengals throughout the afternoon, upsetting the defending AFC champions 23-20.

The pic.twitter.com/FzZta7tfLv
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 11, 2022

Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and company, accomplished this forcing five turnovers, intercepting quarterback Joe Burrow four times. Fitzpatrick returned his interception for a 31-yard touchdown and blocked the game winning extra point to send the game into overtime.

The Steelers defense frustrated Burrow all afternoon, sacking him seven times. They also forced two Burrow fumbles; his fumble in overtime was more costly. It pushed the Bengals out of field goal range, which could’ve won the game.

Kicker Evan McPherson faltered in clutch situations. Along with the blocked extra point he missed a 37-yard chip shot in overtime, squandering an opportunity for victory.

The Steelers offense didn’t light up the scoreboard, but they made plays when it counted.

After Burrow fumbled in the final minutes of the game, quarterback Mitch Trubisky drove the Steelers 45 yards setting up a game winning field goal from Chris Boswell five-seconds before the clock expired.

The win could be a huge surge for the Steelers, because they struggled to compete with the Bengals last season. In their two matchups against the divisional rival, they were outscored 65-20.

Earning one divisional win early on, is a huge boost.

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