It was complete control from the start for the Cincinnati Bengals as they defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. They were quick to jump out to a lead and never let go.
The victory put the Bengals a half-game behind the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North, which has been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, with no teams below .500.
The Bengals' 41-10 victory over the Steelers swept the season series and improved their record to 7-4. While the Bengals haven't received much media attention, they are a talented group that should make the playoffs.
Here are three Bengals takeaways from their Week 12 domination over the Steelers.
3. Joe Mixon is an elite running back
Mixon was an integral part of Cincinnati's offensive attack against Pittsburgh. Mixon had 28 carries for 165 yards and two touchdowns. It was a career-high rushing game for him, which was a much-needed performance to help them jump out in front.
He has had a solid season but could become more consistent after his monster game. On the season, Mixon has 180 carries for 924 yards and 11 touchdowns.
After a signature performance, Mixon will be a critical piece for the Bengals.
2. Joe Burrow will be a superstar
Burrow is living up to his expectations as the number one overall pick in the 2020 draft. He has led the Bengals to a great start and put them in the playoff picture.
Against the Steelers, Burrow completed 20 of his 24 passes for 190 yards, along with one touchdown and one interception. While these aren't elite numbers, he showcased his talent and the ability to lead a team.
This season, he has thrown for 2,835 yards along with 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His efficiency has been great and will only grow as the team gets more chemistry. Burrow's potential is unreal, and he's proving that he will be a superstar in the near future.
1. Bengals will make the playoffs
They may not be a Super Bowl contender, but the Bengals look ready to make it to the postseason. Cincinnati has not made the playoffs since 2015, but the new Burrow-led team is exceeding expectations.
The offense and defense have both improved from last year, and the offseason additions have been key. Ja'Marr Chase was taken by the Bengals with the fifth overall pick in the draft and has been phenomenal. He didn't have a great game against the Steelers as he only had three receptions for 39 yards, but Chase took the defense's attention for a majority of the game.
On the season, Chase has 50 receptions for 906 yards and eight touchdowns. His dynamic playmaking ability has created an elite wide receiver core for Burrow to throw to. The offense is difficult for opposing defenses to stop due to the Bengals' great quarterback, wide receiving core, and star running back.
While the offense has been the catalyst, the defense has been solid as well, holding the Steelers to just 10 points. The Bengals also had three sacks while recovering a fumble and picked off Ben Roethlisberger twice. The defense hasn't been a top unit in the league, but the crew is doing enough for a playoff push.
The Bengals will now move on to play the Los Angeles Chargers, another team that is making a run ahead of the playoffs. It should make for a great game. The Bengals should build on their latest victory over their division rival and make it to the postseason for the first time since 2015.
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