Flacco Outduels Rodgers in Epic AFC North Showdown
In a thrilling Thursday night matchup at Paycor Stadium, veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Aaron Rodgers delivered a memorable performance that saw the Cincinnati Bengals upset the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31. Flacco, starting in place of the injured Joe Burrow, threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, while Rodgers countered with four touchdown passes in a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final minutes. The victory snapped Cincinnati's four-game losing streak and kept their playoff hopes alive in the competitive AFC North division.
In what will be remembered as one of the most exciting Thursday night games of the 2025 NFL season, the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers delivered an instant classic that featured two veteran quarterbacks at the peak of their powers. The 33-31 victory by Cincinnati over division-leading Pittsburgh provided a stunning turnaround for a Bengals team that had lost four consecutive games and seemed destined for another disappointing season.
Flacco's Vintage Performance
The Cincinnati Bengals made a strategic move when they traded for veteran quarterback Joe Flacco after starter Joe Burrow landed on injured reserve with turf toe. That decision paid immediate dividends as Flacco delivered a masterful performance, completing passes with precision and poise throughout the game. The 40-year-old quarterback finished with 342 passing yards and three touchdowns, showcasing the arm talent and decision-making that made him a Super Bowl MVP earlier in his career.
Flacco's connection with star wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase proved particularly devastating to the Steelers' defense. Chase finished with an incredible 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown, consistently finding openings in both man-to-man and zone coverage schemes. The performance was especially impressive considering Pittsburgh had spent the offseason assembling what was supposed to be an elite secondary featuring Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay, and Joey Porter Jr.
Rodgers' Valiant Effort
On the opposing sideline, Aaron Rodgers nearly matched Flacco's brilliance throw for throw. The Steelers quarterback threw four touchdown passes, all to his tight ends, including a dramatic 68-yard catch-and-run score to Pat Freiermuth that gave Pittsburgh a brief 31-30 lead with just 2:31 remaining in the game. Rodgers demonstrated remarkable mobility and creativity throughout the contest, particularly on plays where he extended beyond the pocket.
According to ESPN's analysis, Rodgers threw three touchdowns on passes outside the pocket, tying his career high. His first touchdown pass to Jonnu Smith came after holding the ball for 8.6 seconds, marking the longest time he had to throw a touchdown pass since at least 2016. However, two first-half interceptions proved costly, with Jordan Battle's pick setting up Cincinnati's second touchdown and giving the Bengals their first lead of the evening.
Key Turning Points
The game featured multiple momentum swings that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Cincinnati's running game, which had struggled throughout the early part of the season, suddenly came alive with Chase Brown rushing for 108 yards on just 11 carries. His explosive runs helped open up the passing game and kept Pittsburgh's defense off balance.
Pittsburgh's normally dominant pass rush struggled to generate consistent pressure on Flacco, recording only two sacks throughout the game. This was particularly surprising given that the Steelers had recorded six sacks in each of their previous two games and 17 sacks over their last three contests. The inability to pressure Flacco allowed the veteran quarterback to operate comfortably from the pocket and find his receivers in rhythm.
Division Implications
The victory carries significant implications for the AFC North division race. Pittsburgh entered the game with just one loss on the season and appeared poised to open a commanding lead in the division standings. Instead, Cincinnati closed the gap and demonstrated that they remain a threat in the competitive AFC North. The Bengals showed resilience and offensive firepower that had been missing during their four-game losing streak.
For the Steelers, the loss exposed concerning defensive trends. According to ESPN Research, this marked the third time this season that Pittsburgh has allowed 30-plus points in a game, the first time since 2003 that the Steelers have allowed at least 30 points three times within their first six games. This defensive vulnerability is particularly troubling given that all of Pittsburgh's defensive starters were healthy for this contest.
Looking Ahead
Both teams face challenging matchups in Week 7. The Bengals will host the New York Jets, while Pittsburgh welcomes the Green Bay Packers to Acrisure Stadium. The performances of both veteran quarterbacks in this thrilling contest demonstrate that age is just a number when it comes to elite quarterback play. Flacco's resurgence and Rodgers' continued excellence provided football fans with a memorable showcase of quarterback talent and competitive spirit.
The game served as a reminder that in the NFL, and particularly in the AFC North, no outcome is guaranteed regardless of records or expectations. The Bengals' victory injected new life into their season while raising questions about Pittsburgh's defensive capabilities against high-powered offenses. As both teams prepare for their next challenges, this epic quarterback duel will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the highlights of the 2025 NFL season.
