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00:00He brings a freshness every day to the room.
00:02Yeah, he was very complimentary of Coach Tomlin
00:05and really the whole culture in the building of the locker room
00:10and the organization, and that was one of the reasons
00:12why he said he wanted to continue playing.
00:15Bainwell, the back, second down at 11.
00:18Here comes Rodgers underneath, Friermuth.
00:22They all get by the defense of Carter,
00:24and it will take the villains to bring him down.
00:27Led by Sampo and others, Friermuth,
00:31who was so successful in the first game against the Bengals
00:34with a 100-yard receiving performance, 111,
00:39and two touchdowns a month ago,
00:41comes up with a catch and a first down.
00:43Well, Friermuth's just going to head out to the left flat.
00:47Rodgers is looking upfield and throws to him late.
00:50Almost a no-look pass if you look at where his head was located
00:53as he was throwing that ball,
00:54and Carter's just not able to make an adjustment
00:56as Friermuth works it to the inside
00:58and picks up the first down.
00:59Got a gain of 20 on the play,
01:01some breathing space outside the 41.
01:06Wilson on the move.
01:08Fake to Gainwell.
01:11And here comes the rush.
01:13Rodgers whacked.
01:15Incomplete, looking for Jonu Smith.
01:18Pro Bowler a season ago, and it's incomplete,
01:20and it's second down and 10.
01:23The blocking out there.
01:25Kevin, this is really good coverage all over the place.
01:30Fautanu was over there, the right tackle.
01:3376 and holding him off as long as he could.
01:35Miles Murphy.
01:36They're working.
01:37Now watch.
01:37He's going to come out.
01:38They're able to jump him,
01:39and the coverage just takes everything away.
01:41There's no more for him to go as he comes out.
01:43Now watch.
01:43Collapse here.
01:44Go deep here.
01:45He tries to throw it back across the field,
01:50and good adjustment by the Bengals
01:53as that play was breaking down
01:54and not allowing anybody to get free.
01:57Gainwell, the back.
01:58Second and 10.
01:59Messy pocket escaping again.
02:01Chased by Murphy.
02:02Blockdown.
02:03Hit on the play by both Murphy and D.J. Hill.
02:06They don't have a lot of sacks.
02:07Only the 14th of the season.
02:08Only two of the past three games.
02:10But they bring down Rodgers.
02:12They did not sack him a month ago in the first meeting.
02:14And Kevin, I really thought once he got outside the pocket
02:16and he barely held on to the ball there on the snap,
02:20I thought right here he was just going to throw it away
02:22and instead with the sack.
02:28Hill gets a sack for the second consecutive game.
02:31And Murphy comes up as they split it.
02:33Half sack for each.
02:35It was great talking to Hill in the meetings yesterday.
02:37Just the energy he brought in,
02:39the positive attitude he brought in.
02:41And, yeah, it hasn't gone their way,
02:42but they felt like coming into this game
02:44and they could get this thing done.
02:45They're right back in the mix.
02:46Third and 21.
02:48Underneath they go.
02:49Oh, the hurtling big man, Washington.
02:52Sounds like an aircraft carrier taking flight.
02:55And he hurdles out near the 45.
02:57He's short of the first.
02:59And it'll be a punting situation again.
03:01It is a gain on the play of 14.
03:04To Darnell, Washington.
03:08Well, you got 6'7", 270 going through the air here.
03:12And those defensive backs are like,
03:13we better tackle this by committee.
03:15That's right.
03:17That's like a 747 coming in
03:19and hitting out at the brand new Pittsburgh airport,
03:22which, by the way, is about a day away.
03:24They're going to unveil that.
03:25Here is a punt by Waitman.
03:27And Jones from the 13 for the Bengals.
03:32And out of bounds, he is ushered by the special teams
03:35and Malik Harrison.
03:375-0-1, second quarter.
03:40Here comes Joe Flacco back out there.
03:438-13.
03:45Bengals have lost two in a row.
03:46Back out there for another try.
03:48Down by one.
03:48Coming up on the Verizon Halftime Report from Denver,
03:57join JB, Nate, Matt Ryan,
04:00Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher
04:01scores news highlights from Week 11.
04:04All coming up on the Verizon Halftime Report.
04:07We've had four consecutive, five consecutive punts.
04:10And here comes Cincy at their own 17,
04:14first and 10.
04:16Chase Brown and hit there by Sawyer initially.
04:21And Mel, we're looking at Flacco.
04:23He told us even after the bye,
04:24he didn't throw until Thursday of this week
04:26with that bad shoulder.
04:27Yeah, and guys, he came over the sideline
04:28after that last possession.
04:29Didn't give off any indication
04:31that it was bothering him at all.
04:33Zach Taylor told us last night
04:34it has been a real issue for him.
04:36He said he was watching Flacco's face
04:38when he threw on Thursday of last week
04:40to see if he could see a grimace.
04:42Flacco gave him nothing.
04:43It's the same thing today down on the Bengals bench.
04:45His expression has not changed,
04:47but you know he can't be comfortable, guys.
04:48Trent, it rarely does change.
04:50Yeah, he's just got a great demeanor
04:52in terms of not getting too high, too low,
04:55just staying in the moment.
04:56Second make, being chased here by Sawyer.
04:59Dumps it off the running back ground.
05:00Boy, he had a collision right there,
05:02led by Echols.
05:04Also, Cam Hayward was in there.
05:06Queen.
05:07Wow.
05:08They got him hard, and down he goes
05:10with a minimal gain of two.
05:12And now it'll be third and six for Cincinnati.
05:15Well, a lot was made of both quarterbacks
05:17coming into this game, rightfully so,
05:19but also a lot was made about the defenses
05:21on both sides of the ball
05:23and how they've been ineffective this year.
05:25But so far in this first half,
05:26you mentioned five punts already in a row.
05:28Back-to-back touchdowns to open this game,
05:30but the defenses have really settled in here
05:32since the beginning drives.
05:34Jamar Chase just one catch so far,
05:36third and six, Brown the block.
05:38Here's a nice one-handed catch by Chase,
05:40first down, and he was tripped up finally
05:42by Porter into the secondary.
05:44Catches and runs to the 38, 17-yard pickup
05:47on a third and six,
05:49and a first down for Cincinnati.
05:51Well, Chase comes out like he's gonna hit TJ Watt,
05:54and then he just slips him and gets up the field.
05:57Really well-designed play there,
05:59catching him in man coverage.
06:04Nobody in the middle there for Chase Brown
06:06as he makes a nice one-handed catch to convert.
06:09Higgins has caught a 28-yard touchdown pass
06:12from Flacco after Gainwell got a short catch
06:15and run of 11 yards and a touchdown pass by Rodgers.
06:18Two-point try by the Bengals, no good.
06:20It's first and ten.
06:23The running back was Brooks.
06:25He got away from Watt,
06:27and Flacco throws incomplete.
06:29Higgins there, covered by the linebacker, Harrison.
06:31Second down and ten.
06:34TJ just about had him.
06:37Well, he goes down low.
06:39Watch the move that he puts on Mims.
06:41Little shake move, spin to the inside.
06:43He has a clean shot.
06:45Flacco's able to get away
06:46just to swipe at the legs.
06:51What a great move on Mims by TJ Watt.
06:54One more sack.
06:54He's going to pass his brother, JJ.
06:58Second down, ten.
07:00Running back is Brown.
07:01Tied in Hudson on the move.
07:08Chase Brown blocked by Hudson
07:10and the twirling move with a tackle made by Peyton Wilson
07:13near the 41 gain of three.
07:15Third and seven.
07:17It's third down.
07:18Let's go.
07:18Reload.
07:19Reload.
07:19Third down.
07:22All teams scored on their opening drives.
07:25Since then, Bengals two punts in a row.
07:28Four Steelers, three punts in a row
07:30with a look at Zach Taylor
07:31who said last night,
07:32I'm going to put the standings
07:33in front of our guys at the meeting.
07:35Which is something he says he doesn't normally do.
07:38Right, exactly.
07:38He says, I want them to know
07:39how important this game is for us.
07:41The importance of this game.
07:42He said, I'm not normally a standings or stats guy,
07:45but he goes, I thought it was important
07:46for them to understand
07:47the importance of this game.
07:49Third down, seven.
07:50There's the time.
07:51Here's the hit.
07:52There's almost picked off on the play.
07:54Duggar had it.
07:55Or almost did.
07:56Looking for Brown.
07:58Boy, the pressure was coming up the middle
08:00from Keanu Benton
08:01right in the grill of the quarterback, Flacco.
08:03Watch Duggar.
08:04He's going to come from off the screen here.
08:07The stumble by Chase
08:08and then Watts, he undercuts it.
08:13I thought he was going to get a pick six
08:14when you catch it in the stride like that.
08:21It may have been hit by Wilson.
08:23Forced another punt, though, Kevin.
08:28Rico's going to punt with the high-long snap from Wagner
08:31and deep back, they've got Austin.
08:34They'll retreat it on a bounce at the five.
08:37They got a beat on him,
08:38and he's finally shoved down on the play.
08:43And he was hit by Kendall Milton,
08:45who is playing special teams.
08:46And coming through, Tyson Anderson.
08:49The two-minute warning with 1.51 to go in Pittsburgh.
08:53The NFL on CBS
08:58is sponsored by Whole Foods Market.
09:01Eat well for less
09:03with hundreds of weekly sales.
09:05And by Best Buy.
09:08Imagine that.
09:09Trent, Aaron Rodgers is averaging
09:16three and a half seconds to throw,
09:18his longest in any game since 2016.
09:22And that goes back to a game
09:24with the Packers against Minnesota.
09:26No, Trey Hendrickson is probably one of the reasons why.
09:29Well, and it's just the fact that
09:31they're able to, you know,
09:32hang on to the ball that long.
09:33But that just tells you the coverage.
09:35I think the...
09:35I just got done talking about the Steelers defense,
09:37the Bengals defense.
09:38Both these defenses,
09:39after the opening drive,
09:40have stepped up and are playing really well.
09:42Gainwell the pitch.
09:43First and ten after the punt.
09:45He tries to wheel outside.
09:46There's not much there.
09:47And he's brought down on the play by Cam.
09:49Late flag.
09:50Taylor Britt.
09:51And there was a late flag.
09:52Personal foul.
09:53Big face mask.
09:54Offensive number 81.
09:55Wow.
09:56After this is the goal,
09:57feet first down.
09:58That's Jonu Smith.
09:59Coming up on the Verizon Halftime Report.
10:01James Brown and the guys from Denver.
10:04Scores, news, highlights from Week 11.
10:07Cincinnati has let it decline the penalty.
10:09Second half.
10:09Thank you, Bill.
10:10All coming up on the Verizon Halftime Report.
10:16Well, and you may say, why?
10:19Why decline that?
10:21Well, because it's only half the distance,
10:22being at the seven-yard line.
10:24So, second and ten as opposed to first and, what, 13 and a half?
10:27Right.
10:28Something like that.
10:29A missed two-point conversion by Cincinnati.
10:32The difference in the game.
10:33Warren is the bat.
10:35Rogers in control.
10:37Wilson on the move.
10:38Second down and ten.
10:41Jalen Warren.
10:43An initial hit on the play by Turner.
10:45Finished off by Osai.
10:47And a couple others as they combine.
10:50It's a gain of six.
10:51It's out to the stealer, 12.
10:55And a timeout taken on the play.
10:58That's their second timeout.
11:00And it's Cincinnati.
11:02And here is what they did.
11:03Where they looked great on the opening drive.
11:05And did the Bengals.
11:06They both scored.
11:07Well, and that's really coming into this game.
11:09You know, you look at the first matchup,
11:10and both teams were able to move up and down the field
11:12and had a shootout, 33-31.
11:14And so, after those opening drives,
11:16we thought that's what we're going to have,
11:17another one like that.
11:18And so far, these defenses have made adjustments.
11:21They've been able to get off the field
11:22and force a lot of punts.
11:24Arthur Smith, you just saw him,
11:26the offensive coordinator.
11:28His coach, Matt Ryan, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers.
11:32He's at the common thread in the game
11:34as they play with such discipline.
11:36And they do it every day.
11:37Very consistent in their approach.
11:40Here is a third and fourth.
11:41And I like what Arthur Smith has done throughout his career,
11:43adjusting to the talents of his quarterback,
11:45adjusting to the talents of what he has on offense.
11:48Gainwell was the back.
11:51Bartonu with the block.
11:52And Rodgers will find the escape hatch.
11:54Can he get the first down?
11:55Yes, he can.
11:56Hits the deck.
11:57Slides on the second.
11:59Aaron Rodgers.
12:00And then the obligatory help on a first down sign
12:05on third and four of the Pittsburgh 41-year-old quarterback
12:08scrambles for eight.
12:10Well, he gets up through the pocket.
12:12BJ Hill nearly gets him there in the backfield.
12:14But Rodgers is able to get away from it.
12:17And not shockingly, no one's assigned to him
12:20to be the scrambler and take off.
12:22So he's able to get the first down.
12:23Gainwell was back there.
12:25Rodgers, that was deflected.
12:26It's incomplete.
12:27There's a flag, too, out there.
12:29They were aiming for Austin.
12:31Well, he was grabbed early.
12:32They're going to call.
12:33Pass interference.
12:36Defense number 29.
12:38Spot foul.
12:39Automatic first down.
12:39You said the ball was tipped, Kevin.
12:41So I don't know.
12:43That wouldn't be pass interference.
12:45Taylor Britt being helped off, as you can see.
12:47I'd like to see that again.
12:48I couldn't.
12:49The ball was so wobbly.
12:50But with the wind, you just don't know.
12:51Yeah, it is really swirling down there.
12:54And evidently, the ball wasn't tipped.
12:56It was just poorly thrown.
12:58Gosh, I don't.
12:59Let's see.
13:03Yeah, it was not tipped.
13:04I was wrong.
13:05Well, and you see the way the ball,
13:07as it's progressing down the field,
13:09it got more and more wobbly.
13:10So that just tells you the severity of the wind
13:12and what it's doing with the adjustment.
13:14Good point.
13:15First and 10.
13:16Gainwell the back into the near side.
13:18And looking for his tight end.
13:19Another flag throw.
13:20Coverage on the play by Jordan Battle.
13:22They're going to get D.K. on a pick here.
13:33Best interference.
13:34Office number four.
13:35Ten-yard penalty.
13:37Repeat first down.
13:38Two-time pro bowler, D.K. Metcalf.
13:41He's on the outside.
13:42He's just going to work in here.
13:47The rub or the pick route.
13:49They showed the play on the screen.
13:50That's why the whole stadium's booing.
13:57Tight ends today for the Steelers.
14:00Two receptions.
14:01In the first meeting a month ago,
14:02they had 11 combined.
14:03And four tied-in touchdown receptions.
14:08Penalty makes it first and 20.
14:12Gainwell the back.
14:13He'll get.
14:14It's incomplete.
14:16And the vicinity was back.
14:17Still another flag.
14:1951 seconds.
14:19Personal foul.
14:21Roughly the passer.
14:22Defense number 99.
14:23Myles Murphy.
14:2415-yard penalty.
14:25Out of that down.
14:29He leveled the Steelers quarterback.
14:34Low.
14:35Well, I think that's more what it is than anything is, is that he was low.
14:46Well, that's a huge penalty there, Kevin, because they had to move back after that pick play.
14:51They've got the DK Metcalf offensive penalty.
14:55Now, all of a sudden, you've got first down out towards the 40-yard line.
14:5851 seconds to go, and you have all three timeouts.
15:01Looks like Taylor Briggs heading to the locker room for the Bengals.
15:04First and 10.
15:07Gainwell again out of the backfield.
15:10Jones the block at the left tackle.
15:12The muscular tight end, Washington.
15:15Running left shot.
15:16Bulldozing.
15:17Pulling.
15:18Wow.
15:20Catch and run.
15:2231.
15:23Oh, goodness.
15:24Oh, Washington, a one-man wrecking crew.
15:27Oh, well, like I said, they listed at 265.
15:31I'm going to say 270.
15:32I called him that earlier.
15:33That's a big man, and there's a stiff arm.
15:36There's a Derrick Henry for you, and then Gino Stone, you don't want any of that.
15:42Turner, you can try punching the ball out, but you're going to go backwards.
15:46That's like a net hitting the windshield.
15:54But again, this drive deep in their own zone.
15:56First and 10, Gainwell.
15:58Ice block.
15:59Salamalo, and here goes the run for a first down.
16:02Blocked down by his side.
16:04Kenneth Gainwell.
16:05Sayamalo with an ice block at that left guard.
16:0812-yard pickup.
16:11Timeout taken.
16:1234 seconds.
16:13Steelers on the move, and we'll be back in 30 seconds after this.
16:19Having insurance isn't the same as having State Farm.
16:22It's like needing the experience of this trainer.
16:25Good to go.
16:25But getting that trainer.
16:27Megan trainer.
16:28I'm all about that brace.
16:30About that brace.
16:31No trouble.
16:32Give me your arm.
16:33No, it's not for that.
16:34Who are you?
16:35Patrick.
16:35I play football.
16:36This is Patrick, everyone.
16:37Give it up for Patrick.
16:39He does sports.
16:40So don't settle for just any insurance when there's State Farm.
16:44Why is no one clapping?
16:45Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.
16:48Rodgers through the air, 9 of 13.
16:55And he's thrown a touchdown pass.
16:58And it's the first time either team has crossed the 50s since they each scored on each opening drive.
17:04Well, and the biggest pass was that one we just saw to Washington.
17:0631 yards.
17:07Most of that was yards after catch because he just ran through three defenders to get it down inside, you know, down inside the 20.
17:15Man, is he a load.
17:17First and 10.
17:21Kenneth Gainwell is back there with Rodgers.
17:25Pittsburgh, a couple timeouts.
17:28Tolomello with a nice block to hold off the rush.
17:31And they were going for Gainwell.
17:32And the coverage by Barrett Carter, a rookie and a flag.
17:36With 30 seconds to go.
17:40Personal foul.
17:41Rope for the passer.
17:43Defense on 58.
17:44Have this little on first down.
17:49Four flags on the last six plays of this drive.
17:53Well, it's a side that's going to come off.
17:55Number 58.
17:59I don't know.
18:01I'd love to hear Gene's interpretation of that one.
18:05You know, he didn't land on top of him.
18:07He hit him.
18:07It wasn't like he took two steps.
18:10I don't know.
18:12I didn't see one there.
18:13So, Pittsburgh began the drive on the seven.
18:15Rodgers had a run of eight to get a first down.
18:18We saw Gainwell run a 12.
18:22And then Washington, the tight end, a 31-yard catch and run.
18:27And now they're at a first and goal at the nine with penalties and big plays along the way.
18:33Gainwell, the back and the pitch.
18:35Held by Washington.
18:36The tight end with the block and hit by Hill.
18:38Well, there was getting some help there from Chris Jenkins of Cincinnati.
18:42And, Kevin, there was a defensive pass interference and two roughing the quarterback on this drive.
18:48So, been extended by penalties.
18:52A rules analyst, Gene Steratore, now joins us.
18:58He's watching this drive.
18:59I know Gene with great interest.
19:01I think here, Kevin, if you watch Asad's left arm, my assumption is that there's a blow to the head of Aaron Rodgers there right after the ball is gone.
19:11We see the contact of the head and neck.
19:13We'll draw a flag at a time.
19:14There you go.
19:15Yes, I did not see that, Gene.
19:16Good eye.
19:17Good eye.
19:18That, yeah, went right across.
19:20That left arm went right across the face mask of Aaron Rodgers.
19:23Incredible opportunity right now for the Steelers.
19:26The Bengals averaged the fewest penalty yards per game, only 35.
19:32They've got 44 on this drive alone.
19:36Rodgers second goal.
19:39Fautanu with a nice block to the end zone.
19:41Rodgers and caught out of bounds by Gainwell.
19:46And back there with him was Newton.
19:48Take a look at some coverage here.
19:57He's trying to go out to the right because that's where the bunch formation is.
20:01And then he's working his bait back to the middle.
20:03There's no more for him to go with the football.
20:04So I think he's honestly trying to throw it either to where his guy gets it or it's out of the back of the end zone.
20:10He threw it up there and heck of a catch, but out of bounds.
20:13One timeout for Rodgers.
20:1517 seconds to go.
20:17Golden opportunity here.
20:18Seven.
20:19He's kind of holding on to that left arm.
20:21He's been doing this now for a little bit in the last series in this.
20:25You know, he told us something interesting earlier this week.
20:29Rodgers did.
20:30We asked him about his extraordinary arm talent, and it was generational.
20:34Is generational in talent.
20:36As he's grabbing his wrist right there, he said,
20:38I broke my collarbone in 2017, and I've really noticed since then,
20:43maybe I'm not quite the same thrower I was early in my career.
20:50Yeah, he's grabbing his left elbow.
20:52I was trying to look there if he landed on that left side.
20:54He grabs the left wrist area, and then something doesn't feel good on that left side.
21:00By the way, he did say the collarbone was the thing that affected him the most in his career.
21:06A broken collarbone back in 2017.
21:09Will Howard, for the first time, is the number three emergency quarterback.
21:13He quarterbacked the Buckeyes to a national championship last year.
21:17He broke a finger in camp.
21:19Did not play in the preseason.
21:22But Howard is on the sideline today for Pittsburgh,
21:28and he is suited up for the first time as a pro.
21:31Gainwell, the bat, third and goal.
21:35And Rodgers, incomplete.
21:38And he was aiming that time for Wilson.
21:41And here they're going to come out and cry for three as the Bengals defense holds
21:45in a goal-to-go situation to Aaron Rodgers.
21:48That is, that's an accomplishment.
21:49Well, you know, this was an unusual drive.
21:52As you said, started at the seven-yard line.
21:54There were multiple big plays by the Steelers,
21:56multiple penalties by the Bengals as they got themselves into position.
22:00But what a great job by this defense to respond and force them on a few-goal attempt.
22:0725-yard drive by Chris Boswell.
22:09And tack on three more.
22:11And Pittsburgh leads it 10 to 6.
22:1410 seconds to play in the half.
22:16Cincinnati will retrieve the kickoff, get the kickoff, to begin the second half.
22:24Saturday, CBS brings you another big-time, Big Ten matchup.
22:29Schools making their final push toward the college football playoff.
22:3317th-ranked USC and 8th-ranked Oregon State.
22:373.30 Eastern.
22:38We'll get you set for kickoff beginning at 2.30 Eastern with college football today.
22:44Here on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
22:48The Oregon Ducks, the USC Trojans.
22:528th-ranked Oregon and the Trojans at number 17.
22:56Terrific matchup next week on CBS.
22:59With a look at Joe Flacco.
23:0010 of 17 with his start.
23:0228-yard touchdown pass.
23:04And Rodgers, Trent, 9 of 15 with a touchdown pass himself.
23:08Well, I would have mentioned, you just mentioned that the Bengals are going to get the ball first in the second half.
23:13I would think, based on where this kickoff return comes out to, that they're just going to take a knee to get it to half.
23:19Here they go.
23:21And this will be Charlie Jones on the move, on the fly, and cuts outside.
23:26He's chased by Gainwell and wrapped up at the 39th special teams with three seconds to go on your right.
23:31He's up seven seconds there.
23:33Yep.
23:34I would think it's just a knee.
23:35Well, let's step back a little bit.
23:37Widen your lens.
23:37What do you think of the first half?
23:38I'm impressed with both defenses.
23:41You know, coming into this, that was a struggling point for both sides, both the Steelers and the Bengals.
23:49I've been impressed with the defenses, the adjustments they've made, and how they've...
23:53And I think the wind has had a factor in it, too, Kevin.
23:55I think the wind has been a big factor here in the first half.
23:57So each team, on their first possession, got touchdown passes.
24:00Gainwell on an 11-yard catch-and-run touchdown pass by Rodgers.
24:04And then the Bengals went the other way, and a 28-yard touchdown pass.
24:09Flacco to Higgins.
24:11Let's go downstairs to Melanie Collins.
24:13Thank you, Kev.
24:13Zach, your defense got some big stops in that first half.
24:16How do you get the offense going and start playing more complimentary football here?
24:19Well, the field positions were going to help us.
24:20You know, we've been backed up pretty much the whole day.
24:22So second half, we get a chance to start with the ball, establish the field position early in the game.
24:26Turnovers are going to play a huge role in this game, however, this shakes out.
24:29Thank you, Coach.
24:3025-yard field goal moments ago by Boswell, and a lead for Pittsburgh, first place in the north.
24:38Halftime is here after these first half highlights from Verizon.
24:46We're back here in Pittsburgh.
24:48A look now at the first half highlight presented by State Farm in the game-opening drive.
24:52Rodgers found his running back, being well for 11 and for 6.
24:58Big play.
24:59Moments ago, Melanie Collins caught up with the head coach of the Steelers, Mike Tomlin.
25:06Well, Coach, it looked like Aaron Rodgers injured his left wrist just before the half.
25:10Is he going to be able to continue here in the second?
25:12He's being evaluated as we speak, and so certainly we're hopeful, but we better get Mason Rudolph ready to go.
25:17Okay, offensively, 2-for-7 on third down in the first half.
25:20How can you start finding more success on those early downs?
25:23It's just that.
25:24We've got to be better on possession downs.
25:26It's not like it's been out of whack in terms of third and long.
25:29We've just got to function better in those significant moments, certainly.
25:32Mike, thank you.
25:33Well, that is big news.
25:35Wow, that's huge news.
25:37I mean, we knew that Rodgers had gotten hit.
25:39We knew that he was favoring that wrist as he kept grabbing it towards the end of the half,
25:44but the fact that Mike Tomlin just told us that, and Mason Rudolph is warming up on the sidelines right now.
25:50Here's a look at the play.
25:51He takes a shot.
25:53A couple of defenders landing on top of him.
25:54He immediately grabs his wrist and brings it to his chest,
25:57and this is something we're going to have to monitor moving forward is will he come back?
26:05Like I said, Mason Rudolph right now on the sidelines taking snaps
26:08and appears he's going to be the quarterback here in the second half.
26:12Rudolph has only thrown two passes, completing them both.
26:1730-year-old quarterback out of Oklahoma State backing up Rodgers.
26:22And here is the kickoff to begin our second half.
26:29And Charlie Jones will take it.
26:31And driven out of bounds on the play.
26:34Some good work there by Skowenik,
26:37who is the leading special teams tackler for the Steelers.
26:42And, and, go ahead.
26:45Way to go, Benny Skow.
26:47And?
26:48Benny Skow is my nephew.
26:49Yeah.
26:50My wife's sister's son.
26:53So, not my bloodlines, but definitely family.
26:57So, love watching his, his growth process and how he's grown as an athlete.
27:04And now year five for him and found a home here in Pittsburgh.
27:08One of his best friends is Rodgers.
27:09Chase Brown is the back.
27:11And Flacco with the first and ten.
27:14Brown gets the call.
27:15Big hole opened up by Mims.
27:17He's into the secondary.
27:19They can't even tear him down.
27:21And finally, Ramsey twirls him out of bounds.
27:25They grab that jersey.
27:26You can see the tear.
27:28Runs for 35.
27:30And he's down to the Pittsburgh 41.
27:33Watch the, in the middle of the line.
27:34Watch as this, the entire hole that opens up for him.
27:38Nobody even touches him.
27:41And he's able to get around to the outside as Porter tries to chop the ball loose and is not able to get it.
27:47Brown has had three consecutive 100-yard games, yards from scrimmage.
27:56Now 70 yards on the ground, first and ten.
27:58Flacco under duress.
28:00And they go outside.
28:02And no offense is brought down by Brandon Echols playing the nickel.
28:07And it's a gain of four.
28:09He's down to the 37.
28:10And through 30 minutes of football, Trent Green, here are some of the numbers.
28:13Well, and I think there's a couple of things that jump out.
28:16First off, the defenses, compared to what, the first matchup?
28:19The defenses are playing really well.
28:21And then the penalties.
28:22The Bengals are one of the fewest penalized teams in the NFL.
28:25Only 35 yards per game penalized.
28:28And they're already at 52 yards of penalties.
28:30A lot of it coming on that final drive that the Steelers had at the end of the half.
28:34So that's something to keep an eye on moving forward.
28:37Brown the back.
28:38Flacco through the air, 11 of 18.
28:40Playing with a bad shoulder today.
28:44This is Brown.
28:45Tries to cut.
28:45He does.
28:46He got outside of Porter and tries to wheel.
28:48And he will find room to the 30-yard line.
28:51It is a first down run of seven on second down and six.
28:56And the Bengals have come out here in the second half hot.
28:59Well, they've come out hot.
29:00And it's because of the running game.
29:01Chase Brown has really been taking effect right there.
29:04Just the miss.
29:05There's guys there.
29:06I was going to say, I thought it was a missed tackle.
29:08Nobody even touched him.
29:09It was that quick jump cut that he made that got through and got it up to where he could pick up the first down.
29:15Ties Brooks is the bat.
29:17P. Ryan is out today with an ankle.
29:19The pass protection missed there.
29:22So Brooks is in, the rookie.
29:23And he gives a block.
29:24And a good one for Flacco.
29:25And it's incomplete for Higgins, who is tailed by Porter.
29:28It's second and ten.
29:30One of the few times today we've seen the Steelers go to man coverage.
29:32And that time Porter matched up on Higgins.
29:35Ball out in front of Higgins just a little bit too much as he's not able to bring it in.
29:38And watch him to the outside.
29:41Chase will go up and do a little sit-down route.
29:43And the slant.
29:47We mentioned this at the top of the broadcast, but since Flacco Trent has arrived in the trade from Cleveland to the Bengals,
29:54this has been the best offense the last month in the NFL.
29:57The yards they put up, the numbers they put up from a point standpoint, it's really shocking that they're sitting there at one and three.
30:03Their defense has given up way too much, but today the defense is holding their own.
30:06From the back, second and ten.
30:08Flacco to the air and incomplete.
30:10Flacco to the right.
30:11Fant and Higgins were in the line of flight.
30:14I think it was for Fant.
30:15I think, I thought it was for Higgins.
30:17Oh, okay.
30:18I thought it was for Higgins.
30:19And Higgins, he's a little frustrated because it was just a little sit-down route.
30:23And Fant goes underneath and right there, it looks like he's throwing it to Higgins.
30:29But then Fant comes into the picture and tips it away.
30:36The tight end sample will be there off the hip of Flacco.
30:44Joe Flacco, top 25 all-time and touchdown passes in yards.
30:49Underneath, it's Chase, second catch today, down to the 26, thrilled on the play by Echols.
30:56And they put him at the 25.
30:58It'll be fourth and five, but go for three.
31:02Well, and really with the third and ten and making a quick throw for five yards like that,
31:06you're basically just trying to say, you know what, we've got to get three points down here.
31:09We've got to get this into a one-point game.
31:12And if they're able to break a tackle and pick up the first down, great.
31:16But we've just got to try and get ourselves in a better field goal position.
31:18With this win today, none of these kicks are gimmies.
31:21Here is McPherson, who had the game-winner against the Steelers a month ago.
31:2545-yard, 43-yard field goal try here.
31:30And the wind is, your guess is as good as mine what the wind is going to do to it.
31:35And he drills it home.
31:36It's a one-point game again on a field goal of 43 yards by Evan McPherson,
31:42who now this season is 14 of 17.
31:48Back at Pittsburgh, TV's number one news show is on CBS.
31:54Donnie Wahlberg and Sonequa Martin-Green star in an all-new Boston Blue.
32:00Friday at 10, 9 central on CBS.
32:06You'll notice that Keyshawn Williams is not back there retrieving this kickoff.
32:11He is out right now in concussion protocol.
32:15And Deshawn Jamieson, elevated off the practice squad, is back there with Gainwell.
32:19And Kenneth Gainwell will take it.
32:23After the field goal by the Bengals, and upended and brought down by P.J. Jules.
32:30And so there is a new quarterback.
32:32And this is Mason Rudolph, initially a Pittsburgh third-round pick.
32:36Played here, went to Tennessee.
32:38Now back with the Steelers.
32:39Here, Oklahoma State.
32:41And he's taken the place of Aaron Rodgers.
32:43Well, he's seen enough football that he's ready to step in.
32:46And this moment isn't too big for him.
32:48As you said, eight years in the league.
32:50Been here and then left and came back.
32:52And Suri has a great grasp of what Arthur Smith's trying to get down from an offensive standpoint.
32:59Rudolph has a first and ten.
33:01Jalen Warren is the back.
33:05Snap from Frazier.
33:06The pitch.
33:07Good block there by Washington.
33:08And outside, the tackle made.
33:10Mel by B.J. Hill after a minimal gain.
33:12Yeah, Kev, a couple injuries on the Bengals' defense to update you on as well.
33:15Starting cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt has a left foot injury.
33:19He's been ruled out.
33:20And defensive end Cam Sample has a right oblique injury.
33:23His return is questionable.
33:24And already without Trey Hendrickson and Shamar Stewart today, that is significant.
33:28Excellent point.
33:29This is the number 32 defense in the NFL of Cincinnati.
33:32Yeah, and more guys you miss on that side.
33:35It's, you know, it's just kind of been patchwork a little bit because of those injuries.
33:40And missing some guys that retired after last season and moved on to other teams.
33:45Warren on second and five.
33:47Torpedoes up to the 35.
33:49Hit by Oren Burks.
33:50Gain of three.
33:51Second and two.
33:55First two plays for third and two.
33:57For Rudolph have been the handoff.
33:59So now you decide, okay, on third and short, do you stick with the ground game?
34:02Or do you let them air it out on third and short?
34:08Steelers offense averaging an NFL low.
34:1255 snaps a game.
34:13That's kind of surprising, isn't it, for a guy like Rodgers?
34:16Well, yeah.
34:17And that's why they're so low in time of possession.
34:19They're just not getting a lot of snaps.
34:20They're just not getting a lot of plays.
34:21Gainwell, the bat, third down and two.
34:25Rudolph in for the injured Rodgers is questionable.
34:28End of the air.
34:28And the back-throwing catch on the first down, Gainwell.
34:31He was picked up in a play by Oren Burks.
34:34It's a gain of three on third and two.
34:36And Kevin, they're doing a much better job of time of possession today.
34:38I know they've had a bunch of punts in the first half.
34:41They had the opening drive.
34:42They got the touchdown.
34:43Then they had the last drive of the half for them that put up the field goal.
34:46But for the most part, they've been able to convert some third downs and keep this clock rolling.
34:51Well, you lead to my point because they've now had 36 plays to the 33 run by the Bengals.
34:56It's the first time that they've been on top in a game this year.
35:01Rudolph, first and ten.
35:03Running back with Warren.
35:04He'll make the catch.
35:05Swirling and grabbed by Battle.
35:07Read it well.
35:08Lost it two.
35:09And back to the Steeler, 35.
35:13Well, Warren is slow getting up.
35:15Hmm.
35:16And he has been terrific.
35:20They, people have been clamoring for more carries from him.
35:24A month ago against Cincinnati at 127 yards.
35:28Yep.
35:28On the ground.
35:31And against the Chargers last Sunday night, 14 for 70.
35:35Well, he has to make an adjustment.
35:36This ball's behind him, so he has to make an adjustment.
35:38If the ball's out in front, you see the leg gets caught underneath as he's twisting to the ground.
35:42That left knee, left ankle.
35:43As he's going to the ground by battle, take a look at it one more time.
35:50That left leg, see how it kind of gets bent underneath him.
35:54The ankle and the knee.
35:55But, so that means probably more Kenneth Gainwell and the rookie out of Iowa, 6'1", Caleb Johnson.
36:05And hobbling is Jalen Warren.
36:08Well, that'd be huge.
36:16You know, obviously, no Aaron Rodgers, and now all of a sudden you lose.
36:19Wow.
36:20You lose Warren or the possibility of losing Warren.
36:22In game.
36:23Yeah.
36:23That changes, that changes play calling.
36:26That changes all of it.
36:28Go, go, go, go.
36:30Gainwell wins, second down and 11.
36:37Rudolph, Bautonu with a block and holding him off, and it's incomplete.
36:42And he was over there aiming for Johnny Smith.
36:46Incomplete pass, third and 11 coming up to New York, and Adam Schein.
36:51Kevin Trench, Jordan Love's first passing touchdown since week eight.
36:55Josh Wiley hauls it in.
36:57Extra point attempt, let's just say it missed the entire stadium.
37:0119-13 Packers, early third, back to you.
37:05They just signed Wiley.
37:06They lost Tucker Kraft.
37:07They're terrific.
37:08Pass catching tied in.
37:09How about Love's back in the game?
37:10Yes, good point.
37:11Last update, he wasn't in there.
37:12So, able to get himself back in and get a touchdown.
37:17Gainwell is the back.
37:21With a third down and a long 11.
37:25Here they come.
37:26Salomero with a back and a catch made downfield.
37:29Crack right there by Roman Wilson.
37:31Banged out of bounds.
37:33He had a couple over there defending, including Stone and Hill.
37:36The catch and gain to the 47 at Cincinnati.
37:3918-yard pickup through the air on third down and 11.
37:43So, he's going to go in motion inside of DK Metcalf.
37:45Metcalf's going to clear it out on just a go route.
37:47Does she cut to the outside?
37:50It almost becomes a natural pick with the way that route is set up in the motion.
37:54Able to get separation from Hill.
37:56Wilson able to get the easy first down catch.
37:58Good pocket for Mason Rudolph as he delivered the first down throw.
38:02Wilson had the touchdown reception last week.
38:04Here's the rookie, Caleb Johnson.
38:07Rams his way in.
38:08Trying to get a block up there from the center.
38:10Frazier got to the 44 and picks up three.
38:14It'll be second down and seven.
38:15So, let's back up here a little bit with Arthur Smith now having to call plays and maybe reform the way the offense would go with Rudolph over the injured Rodgers.
38:24Yeah, you definitely have to.
38:26You start thinking, okay, what is Rudolph's skill set compared to Rodgers' skill set?
38:32What is, you know, now with no Warren, what do we get with the different running backs that we're going to be rotating through there?
38:39You know, we've seen the rookie Johnson got a carry there.
38:41He's in on this snap as well.
38:43So, that is an adjustment as a play caller you have to make.
38:47Gainwell in motion.
38:49Second down, seven.
38:50Play action by Rudolph.
38:52And incomplete.
38:54The coverage by Hill.
38:56The pass intended for the tight end, Jonu Smith, who last year had 88 receptions with Miami.
39:02Only 26 so far halfway through the season for the Steelers.
39:07Third down.
39:07This ball's a little bit behind.
39:09Yep.
39:09As you see, it's knocked away.
39:11Actually, it's Smith that knocks it away, so it doesn't get intercepted.
39:17So, all week long, it's the win.
39:19So, Rudolph, even though he hasn't been in there, I mean, there's an adjustment you have to make.
39:23It's one thing throwing on the sideline, but throwing with this win.
39:26Third down.
39:27And it was caught with a spectacular grab by Metcalf.
39:33Turner saying there was a shove and there was a flag.
39:36And the conversation.
39:37Yeah, but which one's it going to be on?
39:41It's going to be on Pittsburgh.
39:42Oh, they're going on DK.
39:43It's going to be on Metcalf.
39:45Second time he's been penalized today.
39:47Yeah.
39:47Pass interference.
39:48Office number four.
39:50Ten-yard penalty.
39:51Beat third down.
39:52Yeah, the first one, the first pass interference was a rubber out or a pick round.
39:55Obviously, it was a pick because they threw the flag.
39:57This time it was just a back shoulder fade down the sideline.
40:00A lot of times they don't call that.
40:02Let's see.
40:02They're both fighting back and forth.
40:06That generally isn't called.
40:07You can see Metcalf's arms extend.
40:11So that's going to be what draws the flag is the arms extending.
40:16And Turner did go back a little bit.
40:17And the separate.
40:18The arms extend and there is separation.
40:21So I can understand why the official with that.
40:24I mean, there was a lot of hand fighting by both guys.
40:26But I think the arms extended and the separation is what drew the flag.
40:31Third and 17.
40:32Underneath.
40:33It's Washington.
40:34Stiff arms is way into stone.
40:36Hanging on for dear life.
40:38And he leads him for a first down.
40:41Dragging defenders.
40:43Oh, he's a big rascal.
40:46I was going to say the last time they threw that out to him, he just ran through the entire secondary line.
40:52I was like, oh, this isn't going to end well.
40:54You've got two guys coming up that combine to have about the same size.
40:57So 18-yard gain.
40:58Rudolph to the air.
41:00And underneath.
41:02Metcalf.
41:03They'll dance and drive and battle.
41:05We'll get him.
41:05Another first down lunge or close to it.
41:08He's down to the 27 of Cincinnati.
41:10Let's see where they mark that ball.
41:11Well, we're going back to the third down conversion to Washington.
41:14He chips on his way out.
41:15A little dumper out.
41:17And then it's just a matter of Gino Stone comes up.
41:19And he tries knocking that arm away so he doesn't get stiff-armed.
41:24Not successful and able to keep the drive alive.
41:27Second down one.
41:28Metcalf again in space.
41:30And then hit and brought down on the play with the tackle made by the rookie, Demetrius Knight.
41:36He leads all rookies in the NFL in tackles.
41:39It's a game of nine.
41:40It's another first down for the Steelers.
41:42Well, you've got to understand why Knight leads everybody in the tackles.
41:45The rookies in tackles.
41:46Watch how he comes up.
41:47And he makes this tackle on DK Metcalf.
41:49Metcalf's a huge receiver.
41:51He goes low, gets the legs, and knocks him down.
41:53And great job with that technique.
41:57So a couple of 18-yard pass completions to Wilson in Washington.
42:01And Metcalf right there for nine.
42:03Here's a first and ten.
42:04With Roman Wilson in motion.
42:09And here's the rookie.
42:10Kaelin Jackson out of Iowa.
42:13And he's down to the 12.
42:15He's from Hamilton, Ohio.
42:19And he was a high pick in the third round taken by the Steelers.
42:22And like I said, six foot one.
42:24He is very tall and rangy and strong, clearly.
42:29Well, and we just talked with Tomlin about him two days ago.
42:32And how high he is on him.
42:34And felt like he wanted to give him some touches.
42:36He wanted to give him some opportunities.
42:38Now, he didn't want Warren to get hurt for those opportunities to happen.
42:42As Warren is back out on the field.
42:44But some opportunities.
42:46Yeah, definitely good to see.
42:47But getting Johnson in the game and getting him some reps is something that Tomlin had talked about.
42:52Rodgers with an injured hand.
42:53Here's a timeout called by Rudolph.
42:55Play clock was ticking down.
42:57And he calls a timeout.
43:00So, a little bit about Mason Rudolph.
43:01He grew up in South Carolina.
43:03He went to college in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
43:06And played for the Cowboys.
43:08Third round pick here.
43:09Then Tennessee.
43:09Now, back with the Steelers.
43:10He was the Johnny Unitas and Sammy Baugh award winner in college.
43:16And he came here.
43:16He's now in his eighth season in the NFL.
43:19On third down today, he's gone three of three.
43:22And in place of the injured Rodgers.
43:24Well, he had a great college career and has had some opportunities to start in the NFL.
43:29Had some opportunities to start here in Pittsburgh.
43:31And has found his niche as a backup quarterback.
43:35And, you know, being able to step in in a situation like this is not, not everybody can do it.
43:39But he's standing around all day.
43:41Cold weather.
43:42A lot of wind.
43:43He's stepped in.
43:44And he's performed well.
43:45As we take a look at Arthur Smith, who's had to adjust some of the things he's play calling wise with Mason Rudolph.
43:51Second down three.
43:52Pitch out to Jackson.
43:53Tries to cut the corner.
43:55Around his ankles.
43:56He finds Hill.
43:56And he lunges close to the 11th.
44:00With a run right there.
44:01And clock kicking here in the third.
44:03Five now.
44:05Before we get to the close of the quarter.
44:08It was began with two touchdowns.
44:09Quarterback touchdown passes.
44:11Each way.
44:11And it's been very quiet since.
44:13It has been quiet.
44:13And it's interesting.
44:14You know, we talk about Warren leaving the game because of injury.
44:16And he went back in on that second down play.
44:18But because of the timeout, they changed personnel groups and put Johnson back in.
44:22And Warren came out.
44:23Now Gainwell's back in the game.
44:24As they're going to go to an empty set here.
44:28Third down and two.
44:31Lives further back at the Pittsburgh 27th.
44:33Couple of 18-yard passes through the air.
44:35Midcalfs lined up in the slot.
44:37Third and two.
44:38Crumbling pocket.
44:39Chased by O'Sai.
44:40Chased by Murphy.
44:41And has to throw that baby away.
44:44Incomplete.
44:45Fourth and two.
44:45The defense of Cincinnati holds again.
44:49As the Pittsburgh Steelers are driving.
44:51Here comes the field goal unit in Boswell.
44:53Watch to your left.
44:54Medcalf's going to open up.
44:55It's right there.
44:55If he just pops it to him.
44:56It's pressure.
44:57It's short yardage.
44:59You're not going to have a big open space in that type of thing.
45:02They bring blitz.
45:03And it's man-to-man coverage.
45:04I thought he was just going to throw a quick little pop pass to Medcalf.
45:08And let Medcalf go one.
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