Bengals can't find momentum, plagued by turnovers in 34-12 loss to Steelers

CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Bengals have lost three straight after falling 34-12 to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

After Cincinnati's opening drive, the Bengals fell short on both offense and defense.

Any shred of momentum was taken away by the Steelers in the fourth quarter, when Pittsburgh cornerback James Pierre scooped up a fumble by Bengals tight end Noah Fant to return it for a 32-yard touchdown.

On Pittsburgh's previous drive, QB Mason Rudolph — who came in for the second half after Aaron Rodgers injured his arm right before halftime — found Kenneth Gainwell for his second touchdown of the day. Gainwell also collected Pittsburgh's first touchdown on their opening drive.

Pittsburgh got its first turnover when Bengals QB Joe Flacco threw an interception straight to Pittsburgh safety Kyle Dugger, who ran it back for a pick-six.

Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey was also ejected from the game in the second half after getting into a scuffle with Ja'Marr Chase, where Ramsey threw a punch.

The only time Cincinnati's defense looked solid was during the first half, when both teams held each other to only one touchdown.

On Cincinnati's first drive, Flacco found Tee Higgins for a 28-yard touchdown pass. The Bengals successfully made the extra point, but there was a defensive penalty during the play, prompting the Bengals to go for two instead, which they failed to convert.

The AFC North matchup was a must-win for the Bengals, who are attempting to stay relevant in the divisional fight. The Steelers currently hold first place, but the Baltimore Ravens are surging with the return of Lamar Jackson. Cincinnati's loss now puts them three games back.

After the loss, Flacco said Cincinnati didn't come through in small moments that mattered.

"We made mistakes, and they capitalized," Flacco said.

Head coach Zac Taylor said he didn't think they were ever in a solid rhythm throughout the game.

"At times we found momentum, but it wasn't enough of that to go out and score enough points to win the game," Taylor said.

The Bengals return to Paycor Stadium next week to face the dominating New England Patriots.