The Pittsburgh Steelers choked for the second week in a row against the Bengals yesterday.  They were winning 20-9 heading into the 4th quarter and that’s when the once vaunted defense of the Steelers’ gave it up.  Two TD drives in the 4th quarter that went for a combined 156 total yards gave the Bengals the huge win.  S Ryan Clark (7 tackles, 1 pass defensed) and CB Ike Taylor (6 tackles, 4 pass defensed) led the Steelers’ number wise on the D.  The Bengals finished up with 273 total yards on offense (100 rushing, 173 passing) in this game.

The Steelers didn’t look too hot on offense in this game either.  Ben Roethlisberger completed 22 of 31 passes for 276 yards with 1 TD and 1 interception ( it was returned 30 yards for a TD by CB Johnathan Joseph).  Willie Parker did get the running game going for the Steelers carrying the ball 25 times for 93 yards (3.7 ypc) and he also caught 2 passes for 36 yards (18.0 avg) with a TD grab.  Rookie WR Mike Wallace led the way for the Steelers in the passing game with 7 catches for 102 yards (14.6 avg).  Hines Ward pitched in with 4 catches for 82 yards (20.5 avg).  The Steelers finished up with 373 total yards on offense (102 rushing, 271 passing) in this game.  The Steelers are now 1-2 on the season and they are in third place in the AFC North.