Last week the Cincinnati Bengals swept the Baltimore Ravens in the division series, which not many people saw coming. Then again, the Ravens haven’t really looked like the Ravens team that started out 3-0 on the year. This week the Bengals will be tested once again when they face the Steelers who are riding a five game win streak in a battle for number one in the AFC North. Both the Steelers and Bengals are playing great run defense holding the number one (Steelers) and two (Bengals) spots in the league.

So the spotlight in this game will be placed on the quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger, has been great in the last four games with nine touchdowns and only three interceptions with a QB rating of 111.2. Carson Palmer is putting together some impressive wins as well, but he’ll need to have a better day against the Steelers defense than he did in week 3 despite their win. Palmer was 20 of 37 for 187 yards a touchdown.

Steelers inactives: QB Dennis Dixon (3rd QB), DE Travis Kirschke, CB Keiwan Ratliff, FB Carey Davis, OG Kraig Urbik, OT Tony Hills, DE Sunny Harris and WR Shaun McDonald.

Bengals inactives: Jordan Palmer (3rd QB), FB Fui Vakapuna, LB Keith Rivers, OG Evan Mathis, OT Andre Smith, TE Chase Coffman, WR Jerome Simpson, DT Orien Harris

Game starts at 1:00 EST. Live blog begins at kickoff.
(Picture Source)

1:01 EST: Let the games begin.

1:03 EST: The Bengals offense seems to be picking up where they left last week against the Ravens. Carving up the Steelers defense.

1:07 EST: The Steelers defense is ridiculously fast. Their pursuit after a missed tackle is impressive.

1:08 EST: Beautiful knocked down pass by Ike Taylor on Chad.

1:09 EST: 51 yard FG by Shane Graham is no good. 12 play drive for no points for the Bengals.

1:12 EST: Steelers come with a quick pass to Holmes in space.

1:15 EST: Wow Ben had time all day. Taking that sack hurts.

1:16 EST: Great run of 13 yards for the first down for Ben.

1:18 EST: FG is good! Steelers 3 - Bengals 0

1:21 EST: No flags Bernard Scott takes it 96 yards for a TD.

1:22 EST: Bengals 6 - Steelers 0

1:29 EST: Was that a Dhani Jones siting on that sack WOW! Second sack on Roethlisberger.

1:36 EST: Troy Polamalu has “tweaked” that injured knee that had him out 4 weeks already this season and is doubtful. Tyrone Carter is in to replace him.

1:38 EST: END OF FIRST QUARTER Steelers 3 - Bengals 6

1:49 EST: So suddenly I’m barely able to stay awake. This game is boring!

1:57 EST: Hopefully Pittsburgh can make something of this field position. Time for some action!

2:00 EST: Let’s see what the Steelers can do with this field position.

2:01 EST: That was the play the Steelers were looking for. Ben waited a second too long to release that one.

2:03 EST: I like that line from Phil Simms. Holmes, Ward and Miller move when their QB moves in order to make plays like that possible.

2:02 EST: Great play by Roethlisberger to keep the play alive.

2:05 EST: Third sack on Roethlisberger second for Fanene.

2:08 EST: FG is good! Steelers 6 - Bengals 6 - Action packed all the way! *insert sarcasm*

2:12 EST: Palmer sacked for the first time in the game.

2:14 EST: Just learned something. Didn’t know Carson Palmer’s brother Jordan Palmer also played for the Bengals. Interesting. Same position same team. Wonder what life would be like for Peyton and Eli if they played for the same team. Or Tim and Matt Hasselbeck. Fun facts! Back to this boring game.

2:19 EST: Two minute warning. Steelers ball.

2:20 EST: Pass interference called on the Bengals SMH. Terrible bone headed play by the Bengals.

2:21 EST: This is how the Steelers win. Taking advantage of situations.

2:22 EST: Roethlisberger goes down for the 4th sack of the game. 4 sacks in the first half is impressive for this Bengals defense.

2:24 EST: Cincy defense holds force a FG. Reid’s kick for 35 yards is good.

2:24 EST: Steelers 9 - Bengals 6

2:26 EST: Both the Bengals and the Steelers red zone offense have sucked royally in the first half.

END OF FIRST HALF - Steelers 9 - Bengals 6

Receiving REC YDS TD LG
S. Holmes 5 65 0 21
H. Miller 3 17 0 11
H. Ward 3 16 0 11

START OF THIRD QUARTER

2:41 EST: Interception on Roethlisberger by Rucker. Cincinnati ball.

2:46 EST: Let’s see what this Bengals offense looks like without Cedric Benson. He’s out with a strained hip.

2:47 EST: 4th and 1, Steelers defense holds again. Graham’s FG of 23 yards is good.

2:48 EST: Steelers 9 - Bengals 9

2:49 EST: As I said in my mini preview Palmer didn’t have a good game against the Steelers in their first meeting and now without Benson Carson Palmer isn’t looking like his usual self.

3:04 EST: Willie Parker runs for 7 yards. Well alright buddy!

3:25 EST: Steelers 12 - Bengals 12

3:32 EST: I’ve officially thrown a sock at the TV. Boredom has officially set in and I want it to stop right now.

3:47 EST: Bengals 15 - Steelers 12

3:48 EST: That was a great run by Scott. Bengals looking to sweep!

3:53 EST: Steelers defense holds. Bengals to try a FG to extend their lead to 6.

3:57 EST: FG by Graham is good. Steelers 12 - Bengals 18. I really think the sweep is possible.

3:58 EST: Roethlisberger sacked for the 6th time in the game. Turnover on downs.

4:03 EST: END OF THE GAME BENGALS SWEEP THE STEELERS!

FINAL SCORE: Steelers 12 - Bengals 18

GAME STATISTICS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Receiving REC YDS TD LG
S. Holmes 7 88 0 21
H. Miller 4 26 0 11
H. Ward 4 24 0 11