The Steelers have a long history of memorable moments throughout the years, and during the 2025 season we are going to highlight those moments against each week's opponent.
This week, we feature the Cincinnati Bengals at home.
Steelers 16, Cincinnati Bengals 7
October 7, 2001
This wasn't supposed to be a historic date in Heinz Field history. It wasn't supposed to be the date the first regular season game was played at Heinz Field.
But after the team's Week 2 game against the Cleveland Browns, which was to have been played on Sept. 16, 2001 at Heinz Field, was postponed because of the September 11 attacks, that October date became the date of the first regular season game at the team's shiny, new home.
And what a game it was, as the Steelers christened Heinz Field by defeating the Cincinnati Bengals, 16-7.
With a backdrop of American flags waving during pregame and national pride at a peak, the Steelers knew they had a job to do.
"The atmosphere was kind of mixed," said Mark Bruener, the former tight end selected in the first round of the 1995 NFL Draft and now a college scout with the team. "There was so much excitement for the opening of the new stadium, but there was sadness because of the events that happened on September 11. We, as the NFL and a team, looked at that opportunity to not celebrate ourselves, or open Heinz Field as a stadium, but rather make our city an example to the country of our solitude to bring us together and show our solidarity with regards to the events that happened in the weeks leading up.
"The halftime, with President (George) Bush addressing the country and that being shown on the scoreboard, that was an example of the country's solidarity. I was happy we were able to show everyone that."
Along with that pride in the country was also a feeling of fear, and Bruener and his teammates knew the one thing they had to do was play without fear.
Running back Jerome Bettis delivered, just like you would expect. Bettis, who was acquired by the Steelers via a trade in 1996 and went on to be a Pro Football Hall of Fame selection, carried the ball 23 times for 153 yards, including a 48-yard run, and had amassed 103 yards by halftime.
It was a rather nondescript three-yard carry in the first quarter that provided the first great memory in Heinz Field history when Bettis eclipsed the 10,000-yard mark for his career, becoming the 14th player in NFL history to do so at the time.
The joy it brought the team, and even more the fans, even if for just three hours, was huge.
"We knew going into the game he was going to be close to the mark," said Bruener. "For him to achieve that unique mark in the first game at Heinz Field, it was exhilarating for all of us. To be a teammate of his and know that you were a teammate of a future Hall of Fame running back at the time and him achieve that, it was really special."
Bettis remembers the moment, the group of fans in the stands holding up the individual numbers to signify 10,000 yards.
"That was sweet," said Bettis. "To have such a memorable moment in the new stadium on a day when people needed something positive. It was like kicking off the stadium and bringing the stadium into the family. It's a new stadium, is it going to work. Then you do something good there and everyone accepts it like home. It was a good way to welcome Heinz Field into the family."
Steelers 23, Cincinnati Bengals 7
December 12, 2010
It's not bad when you can reel off a win, against a division rival, and the offense doesn't score.
That was the case against the Cincinnati Bengals back in 2010.
Kicker Shaun Suisham got the Steelers on the board with three field goals, but it would be the defense that would get the team in the end zone.
The Bengals got off to an early 7-0 lead when penalties gave them second life, but it would quickly evaporate.
Safety Troy Polamalu intercepted his former college roommate, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer, and returned it 45 yards for a touchdown to tie the game at 7-7.
"It definitely got me going," said linebacker LaMarr Woodley. "I was feeling a little down after allowing them to score a touchdown on that third down situation that I jumped offside. I was down, but when Troy got in, I got excited."
Two more Suisham field goals would follow, and then it was up to the defense again to get the Steelers on the board.
Woodley would make up for penalty earlier in the game when he intercepted Palmer and took this one back 14 yards for a touchdown, his first-ever interception return for a touchdown.
"Jumping offside and letting Cincinnati drive down the field and put seven on the board," said Woodley. "That was definitely on me, but my teammates were very supportive telling me that it was no big deal, just keep your head in the game and go out there and make plays. I was able to go out there and make plays.
"It felt great. Good thing I didn't have to run a long distance because it takes me a while to get to the end zone. I just made sure I got the ball and didn't run out of bounds and just ran in. It was a great feeling and it put more points on the board for us. It forced them on the next drive to throw the ball a little more."
And when they had to throw the ball, the Steelers made them pay again. Polamalu thwarted a Bengals touchdown drive with his second interception of the day, picking off Palmer in the end zone and returning it to the Steelers' 12-yard line.
"I am glad Troy is on my team," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "The first one was Troy being Troy. This guy, no one is playing as good as Troy Polamalu in football right now in my opinion. When we need a play he provides it, and he did today."
Steelers 36, Cincinnati Bengals 10
November 15, 2020
The Steelers defeated the Bengals, 36-10, to start a season 9-0 for the first time in franchise history.
With a crowd of just 5,909 on hand due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Steelers jumped out to a 12-0 lead and never looked back.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger completed 27 of 46 passes for 333 yards and four touchdowns, including two to receiver Chase Claypool.
His performance was even more impressive considering he spent the week on the Reserve/Covid-19 list and took part in only virtual meetings until he was cleared the day before the game.
"I attribute it to the guys around me," said Roethlisberger. "It was way more than me. It was a total team victory."
The defense was dominant, holding the Bengals without a third down conversion on 13 attempts.
"I like what we did on third down," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "We were very good on the possession downs."
The defense also sacked Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow four times, registering at least one sack in 66 consecutive regular-season games, three off the NFL record of 69 set by Tampa Bay from 1999-2003.
Steelers 34, Cincinnati Bengals 11
December 23, 2023
The Steelers jumped out to an early lead against the Cincinnati Bengals and never looked back, defeating them 34-11 at Acrisure Stadium to send the crowd home happy for the holidays.
"Really exciting win," said Coach Mike Tomlin. "Appreciative of the effort and focus of the group. It was a total team effort in all three phases. Made the necessary plays, splash plays, played together and hard.
"Just happy for the guys in the locker room. Going to have a Merry Christmas."
Quarterback Mason Rudolph stepped up in a huge way, completing 17 of 27 passes for 290 yards and two touchdowns and no interceptions.
"He was Mason," said Tomlin. "We talked about it early in the week. He has a belief in himself. He's aggressive in his play style. I thought he did a really good job not displaying a lot of rust for a guy that hadn't played a lot."
The offense was aggressive, not holding back and throwing the ball even with a lead.
"We came in with that mentality," said Tomlin. "We talked about scared money not making money all week. That's the mentality as we went into the week.
"We had a certain anticipation of what they might do. When you're comfortable with that, then you play aggressively. Not anything earth shattering. It's intimacy in divisional play. I am sure they know us as well."
Tomlin was asked, that even though it's early, is it too early to say if Rudolph will start next week against Seattle.
His answer was what was expected.
"You're right, it is early to ask," said Tomlin.
Receiver George Pickens was on the receiving end of four of Rudolph's passes, putting up 195 yards and two touchdowns, including an 86-yarder and a 66-yarder.
"He made some splash plays that was needed," said Tomlin. "His pedigree showed, no doubt."
The Steelers got strong performances all around, including from multiple players who are on the practice squad and were elevated for the game. Safety Eric Rowe finished the game with seven tackles and an interception, while linebacker Myles Jack had six tackles and a sack. In addition, veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson stepped in and started at safety.
"It's necessary and appreciated," said Tomlin. "It's been a challenge readying those guys, but kudos to them. It's also a thoughtful acquisition of players, veteran players. The size of the practice squad today, the fact that you can have veteran players on it. We just positioned ourselves for the attrition component of play.
"Can't say enough about contributions from those guys, specifically Pat Peterson and Eric Rowe stepping in at safety under the circumstances that we have at that position.
"Both guys played every down. Did a heck of a job communicating solid throughout the week and provided some slash plays in the form of turnovers."
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