Pittsburgh Steelers defeat Cincinnati Bengals behind Derrick Harmon strip-sack

The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a victory against the Cincinnati Bengals in their AFC North divisional opener at Acrisure Stadium. The win marked the first time the Steelers offense recorded 25 or more points during the Mike McCarthy era.

Defensive tackle Derrick Harmon provided the decisive play of the game by executing a strip-sack on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. Harmon forced the fumble, which was recovered by Sebastian Joseph-Day, to seal the win. The performance was notable as veteran defensive leaders Cam Heyward, Alex Highsmith, and T. J. Watt were on the sidelines during the play.

Heading into the matchup, the Steelers faced significant injury concerns. Wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., running back Jaylen Warren, and cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Joey Porter Jr. were listed as questionable, while running back Rico Dowdle and guard Gennings Dunker were ruled out.