Photo: NFL on CBS
Following every NFL game in 2025, Steel City Underground parses the best plays from the Pittsburgh Steelers to highlight for Steelers Nation fans to rewatch, complete with what led up to the big play(s).
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals kept things close in the opening half of their rivalry rematch in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL regular season, but the Steelers really opened things up in the second half of the game to win, 34-12.
The lone offensive touchdowns for the Steelers in this game were a result of two different quarterbacks finding running back Kenneth Gainwell for two catch-and-run trips into the end zone.
The Steelers received the ball to open the game, putting Aaron Rodgers and the offense on the field to be tested first. With Spencer Anderson in as eligible, Rodgers opened the drive with a quick strike to D.K. Metcalf for 4 yards.
After a Jaylen Warren rush and a direct snap to Connor Heyward for a new set of downs, Rodgers utilized the pass, again, on 1st down; he hit Metcalf on a 17 yard catch and run. Two plays later, Warren ripped off a 35 yard run to place the Steelers on the CIN 12.
On 2nd & 9, Rodgers – operating out of the shotgun – allowed Gainwell to slip past, enter the flat on the left, and hit him on the move. Gainwell secured the catch and outran two Bengals defenders for an 11 yard touchdown.
Catch & run for six @KENNETHGAINWEL
#CINvsPIT on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/qJEFJh7R7t
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 16, 2025
Following a successful Chris Boswell PAT, the Steelers led, 7-0.
Gainwell’s second touchdown would have been a perfect bookend to a successful Steelers victory story. The Steelers offense, with Mason Rudolph at quarterback (due to a left wrist injury to Rodgers), chewed up clock on a 12 play, 65 yard drive.
Gainwell’s second catch and carry went for a five yard touchdown with Boswell’s PAT moving the Steelers to a 27-12 lead with just over 3 minutes left in the game.
Touchdown #️⃣2️⃣ for KG @KENNETHGAINWEL
#CINvsPIT on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/IppHYwmqIJ
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 16, 2025
The Steelers defense, who’d already scored a touchdown, wanted to put this game to bed – and did so when Brandin Echols defended Noah Fant and the Bengals tight end lost control of his catch. James Pierre returned the fumble for a touchdown, changing the score to 34-12 in favor of Pittsburgh. The defense then held out to allow an offensive kneel down in the victory formation.
