In a crucial AFC North divisional showdown, a young Cincinnati Bengals team showed their age, committing a series of costly first-half penalties and special teams miscues that effectively ended their game with the Pittsburgh Steelers before it even began.
NFL Scores Week 13, Steelers Vs. Bengals: Early Special Teams Mistakes Derail Cincinnati
Pittsburgh only out-gained Cincinnati by 63 yards, but they took advantage of all the Bengals mistakes to win 35-7.
Before giving up a 60-yard punt return TD to Antonio Brown, Cincinnati had one field goal taken back on a delay of game penalty, another blocked and lost a fumble on a kick-off return.
The Steelers consistently took advantage of the short fields they received, as Rashard Mendenhall rushed for 60 yards and 2 TD's, while Ben Roethlisberger completed 15-23 passes for 177 yards and 2 TD's, both to WR Mike Wallace.
Pittsburgh's quick scores forced the Bengals to be one-dimensional, putting their rookie QB Andy Dalton in an extremely difficult position. He completed 11-24 passes for only 135 yards and 1 TD.
For more on the Steelers, check out Behind The Steel Curtain, while Bengals fans can head over to Cincy Jungle.
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