Bengals 28, Steelers 20

Self Destruction.

We're heading for self-destruction.

The Steelers beat the Bengals in every possible way - 27 first downs to 15, 365 total yards to 246, 195 yards passing to 159, 170 yards rushing to 87, 33:51 to 26:09 in time of possession - but the one category where it was essential that the Steelers put up a smaller number than the Bengals the Steelers topped the Bengals there too: 5 turnovers to 3.

And that has made all the difference.

The defense did a phenomenal job - pressuring and sacking Carson Palmer (18/26 193 yds, 4 TD, 2INT) frequently, stuffing and stymieing Rudi Johnson (19/47 yds), and knocking Chris Henry into next week. However, when the Steeler offense and special teams gave the Bengals the ball on the Steeler 30 and 9 yard line respectively one can only ask but so much of your defense. Big Ben was picked 3 times to kill scoring drives - one in the end zone - Verron Haynes fumbled when the Steelers were driving, and the hopefully-soon-to-be-cut Ricardo Colclough muffed a punt that resulted in the 9-yard Bengals touchdown drive that essentially sealed the game.

This game should have been 41-7 Steelers, and would have been if you take away the bone-headed turnovers - all the result of poor play by the Steelers. This is not the way to win Super Bowls, and Coach Cowher will have to right this ship in a hurry. The bye week comes just when the Steelers need to take stock of who they are and what they hope to achieve. Self-destruct against San Diego after the bye week and this season may be over for the Men of Steel.