The Steelers turned in a dominating defensive effort for three-plus quarters, then held on late to preserve a 24-16 win over the Bengals Sunday.
Ben Roethlisberger threw three touchdown passes, but the Steelers couldn’t exhale until Bengals rookie wide receiver Tyler Boyd fumbled in the final two minutes with the Bengals in Steelers territory. Cornerback Robert Golden recovered, and the Steelers moved to 2-0.
The Bengals didn’t get in the end zone until the final seven minutes, when Andy Dalton hit Giovani Bernard on a 25-yard touchdown pass. The Bengals got a stop and got the ball back, and they’d moved inside the Steelers’ 40 when Boyd fumbled with James Harrison closing quickly.
Dalton was 31-of-54 passing for 366 yards. Roethlisberger was 19-of-37 passing for 259 yards. He was intercepted twice, and his three touchdowns went to three different receivers.
The Bengals (1-1) play their first home game next week, hosting the Broncos. The Steelers play at the Eagles.