Matt’s Take: Bengals deserved to lose; Reds' season comes to a close

By Matthew McAdow
HCP columnist

After a fantastic start to begin the season, the Bengals dropped their first game in a road matchup against the Steelers, giving Cincinnati a 2-1 record (tied with the entire AFC North).  

It was an ugly loss, as Cincinnati truly beat themselves. I felt like I was watching the 2025 Bengals all over again. I hope this was just an anomaly and that the Bengals get back on track in a hurry, as the Jaguars are a tough squad this year. Losing to the Steelers – and a poor Steelers team at that – makes for a rough week of wondering if this Cincinnati team is truly good or not. Time will tell. 

Negatives from the Bengals/Steelers game

Joe Burrow had an overall good game. However, I won’t be a writer that doesn’t criticize him. Cincinnati was in field goal range to tie the game and he fumbled the ball. He is now 1-34 when trailing in the final 8 minutes of an NFL game. The clutch gene or the “bury them” gene is missing somewhere.  

Since Zac Taylor took over, Cincinnati is 6-50 when trailing in the fourth quarter. That’s a disaster.
  
Special Teams – Holy Moly. In reality, special teams lost this game. The muffed punt and they had a ridiculous roughing the punter. Both turned into points for Pittsburgh or this game would’ve been over. Maybe it’s time to call 1-800-Charlie Jones and get him back returning the ball and maybe it’s time to have a discipline discussion regarding rushing the punter at a time that it was crucial Cincinnati got the ball back. Losing plays. Cut Ke’Shawn Williams today.

The entire AFC North is now 2-1, with the Bengals in last place having a divisional loss.  

292 yards and 3 touchdowns given up to Aaron Rodgers, as well as 176 total yards to Jaylen Warren – embarrassing.

Cincinnati continues to struggle against tight ends, as Darnell Washington bullied himself for 67 yards. The secondary was soft as Charmin all game.  

Why is Shemar Stewart not getting any reps? 

Positives from the Bengals/Steelers game

282 yards and 3 touchdowns from Joe Burrow will typically win you a football game. He was super efficient. 

Ja’Marr and Tee look as good as ever. 
 
Amarius Mims allowed 0 pressures on 40 pass block snaps. That is now zero pressures to begin the season against some of the best rushers in the game. He is elite and a sure pro-bowler if he stays healthy. That kid is eventually going to get paid.  

Cincinnati was never going to go undefeated. Cincinnati has seven more games against divisional rivals to make up for this bad loss. Learn and move on – things happen.  

Reds' season ends

If you would’ve told me at the beginning of the year that Elly De La Cruz would have a 30/30 year, Sal Stewart would nearly lead the league in RBIs and have 30 home runs, and Chase Burns would go 15-3, I would’ve bet a lot of money that the Reds were playing postseason baseball.  

What a disappointing season and another waste of Elly’s short time here in Cincinnati.  

This franchise is something else. I love the Reds, but a break from them and watching a positive Netflix series might be nice.