Losing at Pittsburgh will not define the 2026 Cincinnati Bengals

The goal for the 2026 Bengals was never to go undefeated. It was also not just to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. For the 2026 Bengals, there are bigger goals that are still very much in play even with the 30-27 loss to the Steelers on Sunday.

First off, it is still disappointing that the Bengals couldn't find a way to win at Pittsburgh on Sunday. They had two chances in the second half to break the game open, but they gave the ball right back to the Steelers both times. Joe Burrow and the Bengals' offense went three-and-out and fumbled on their final drive, and the defense couldn't get a stop on the Steelers' game-winning drive, despite it starting inside their own 10-yard line.