The Steelers have experienced the kind of offensive improvement they were looking for when they fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada this week.
They have managed to outgain the Bengals 221-98 over the first 30 minutes of play in Cincinnati, but they have only been able to put three points on the board. The lone touchdown of the game came on a pass by Bengals quarterback Jake Browning to tight end Drew Sample and the Bengals lead 7-3 as a result.
Kenny Pickett is 13-of-19 for 149 yards and has had several connections with tight end Pat Freiermuth for first downs, but a Jaylen Warren fumble, a Trey Hendrickson sack, a holding penalty, and an ill-advised decision not to challenge what should have been ruled a Diontae Johnson touchdown catch have conspired to keep the Steelers from adding to their score.
Browning is 9-of-12 for 101 yards in his first NFL start and the team’s touchdown drive got a boost from a long kickoff return by Trayveon Williams that set them up near midfield.
