2002 Steelers 29 vs Bengals 21
November 24, 2002
Game Stats | Comments




2002 Steelers 29 vs Bengals 21

With Kordell under center in relief of an injured Tommy Maddox and The Bus finally back from a knee injury after 5 games, the Steelers cruise to an early 17-0 lead against the hapless Bengals, scoring a pair of TDs and a FG on their first three possessions. Stewart plays a nearly flawless game (21 of 26, 236 yds, 1 TD, 11 runs for 40 yds). But as has been the case all season, the Steeler defense repeatedly fails to get off the field on 3rd down, turning what should be a runaway win into a come-from-behind nail-biter.

Bettis scores 2 TDs, including a late 24-yd signature run in which the Bus busts it up the middle, breaks several tackles, nimbly cuts outside and takes it to the house to put the Steelers up 29-21. Bettis' TD was set up on the previous play by an aggressive and beautifully executed playaction pass from Stewart to Ward covering 37 yds. Unfortunately, new Steeler kicker Jeff Reed misses the crucial extra point that would've put Pittsburgh up by 9 and the Bengals remain only 1 score down.

T.J. Houshmandzadeh, whose fumble of a punt return earlier in the 4th quarter cost Cinci their lead, returns the ensuing kick 44 yds and draws a 15-yd facemask penalty to boot, giving the Bengals fantastic field position at the Steeler 31. Cinci drives the the Steeler 5, but Chad Scott knocks Kitna's 4th down pass out of Chad Scott's hands in the end zone to preserve the Steeler victory. Features TONS of postgame material after the game.


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