The Pittsburgh Steelers still have one game remaining on their 2012 schedule against the Cleveland Browns, but for all practical purposes their season ended at Heinz Field on Sunday thanks to their 13-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Kicker Josh Brown kicked a 43-yard field goal with 4 seconds remaining to give the Bengals the win and a playoff birth. The kick came just two plays after Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw his second interception of the game to Bengals safety Reggie Nelson with 14 seconds remaining in regulation.
Roethlisberger\’s first interception of the game was returned for a touchdown by cornerback Leon Hall with 2:15 left in the first quarter and the Bengals never trailed from that point on. The Steelers quarterback finished the game 14-of-28 for 220 yards and a touchdown to go along with his 2 interceptions. He was also sacked 4 times in the game in addition.
The Steelers wasted perhaps the best performance of the season by their defense that was able to force 3 turnovers in the game to go along with 6 sacks of Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton finished the game with 278 yards passing in the loss with no touchdowns.
The Steelers were able to muster 95 yards rushing in the game while the Bengals and running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis were held to just 14 yards rushing on 15 carries.
Both teams were putrid on 3rd downs in the game as the Steelers converted 2-of-14 while the Bengals converted just 4-of-14.
The loss drops the Steelers to 7-8 on the season and they must win next week against the Browns to finish at .500.
The Steelers also lost backup running Baron Batch to a broken arm in the game as well as tight end Heath Miller, who is believed to have suffered a torn MCL which will likely require surgery and a long rehab.
