Flacco's Heroics Lift Bengals Over Rodgers' Steelers 33-31 in Overtime Thriller
Nov, 29 2025
With seven seconds left and the game on the line, Evan McPherson calmly stepped onto the field at Paycor Stadium — no panic, no hesitation — and drilled a 36-yard field goal to seal a 33-31 win for the Cincinnati Bengals over the Pittsburgh Steelers. It wasn’t just a win. It was a resurrection. On , in front of a roaring Cincinnati crowd, Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old veteran who’d been written off by many just weeks ago, outdueled 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers in a game that felt like it was pulled from a movie script. And it happened in the same stadium where the Bengals had lost four straight — now snapped, in the most dramatic fashion possible.
A Duel of Legends
This wasn’t just another Thursday night game. It was only the third time in NFL history that two starting quarterbacks aged 40 or older faced off. Flacco, in his 18th season, and Rodgers, in his 20th, played like men who still had something to prove — and they delivered. Flacco completed 31 of 47 passes for 342 yards and three touchdowns, calmly navigating a Steelers defense that had been one of the league’s stingiest. Rodgers? He was vintage. 22 of 32 for 244 yards, four touchdowns, two interceptions — including a 68-yard bomb to Pat Freiermuth that gave Pittsburgh a 31-30 lead with 2:31 left. The crowd erupted. The Steelers’ sideline exploded. It felt over.But here’s the twist: Joe Flacco doesn’t believe in endings.
The Drive That Changed Everything
With 1:39 left and the ball at their own 48-yard line, Flacco didn’t panic. He didn’t force anything. He found Ja’Marr Chase for 15 yards. Then 18 more. Then, on third down, a perfectly thrown 28-yard strike to Tee Higgins that put the Bengals at the Steelers’ 5-yard line. Seven plays. 52 yards. No timeouts. No mistakes. Just precision. McPherson, who’d missed a 52-yarder earlier, didn’t even break stride. The kick was true. The stadium went silent — then exploded.It was the kind of drive that defines careers. And for Flacco, who hadn’t started a game since Week 3 of 2024, it was redemption.
From Desperation to Hope
Just weeks ago, the Bengals were sinking. After Joe Burrow tore a toe ligament on , their offense collapsed. Backup Jake Browning started three games, completing just 59% of his passes with three interceptions and zero touchdowns. The team went 0-3. Fans were calling for head coach Zac Taylor to be fired. The defense was exhausted. The offense was invisible.Then, on , the Bengals pulled off a quiet miracle: they acquired Flacco from the Cleveland Browns — their AFC North rivals — for a conditional sixth-round pick. No fanfare. No press conference. Just a quiet phone call and a new jersey.
"This is a huge win," Taylor said in the locker room afterward, his voice hoarse. "We needed it. Not just for the record. For the soul of this team."
The Ripple Effect
The win improved Cincinnati’s record to 3-4, pulling them within two games of the division-leading Steelers (4-2) and the surging Baltimore Ravens (5-5). Before this game, the Bengals had scored just 228 points all season — the worst in the AFC North. They’d gone five straight games without a first-half touchdown. Thursday night? They scored on seven of their last eight possessions.Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s loss was brutal. Rodgers had given them the lead with under three minutes to play — and they still lost. It wasn’t just the missed opportunity. It was the message it sent. The Steelers, who entered the game with the third-best point differential in the AFC, now face a tougher path to the playoffs. Their defense, which had held opponents to under 20 points in three of their last four games, gave up 33 — and couldn’t stop a 40-year-old quarterback on his final drive.
Why This Matters Beyond the Record
Flacco and Rodgers didn’t just play football. They reminded everyone that experience isn’t obsolete — it’s elite. Flacco, who won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens, had been considered a relic. Rodgers, the two-time MVP, was being asked if he was done. Neither was. They showed that leadership, poise, and understanding of the game don’t fade with age — they sharpen.For the Bengals, this win isn’t just about playoff math. It’s about belief. After months of losing, they finally saw their quarterback make a play when it mattered most. And for the Steelers? They’re now staring at a must-win stretch. The Ravens are breathing down their neck. The Browns? Still awful, but dangerous.
What’s Next?
Cincinnati heads to Baltimore next week — a game that could define their season. If they win, they’re right back in the division race. If they lose? The pressure on Flacco and Taylor will intensify. For Pittsburgh, the next two games — against the Jets and then the Chiefs — are essentially elimination matches. Rodgers won’t be 41 forever. This might be his last shot at a deep playoff run.And for fans? This was the kind of game you tell your grandkids about.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Joe Flacco perform after being acquired from the Browns?
Flacco’s first start for the Bengals was historic: 342 yards, three touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a game-winning drive under pressure. He completed 66% of his passes and led the team to 33 points — their highest output since Week 1. His ability to manage the clock and trust his receivers turned around a stagnant offense that had scored just 17 points total in his three predecessors’ starts.
Why was this game considered historic in NFL history?
It was only the third regular-season game ever featuring two starting quarterbacks aged 40 or older. The previous two were Rodgers vs. Tom Brady in 2021 and Rodgers vs. Drew Brees in 2020. This matchup stood out because both quarterbacks were still playing at a high level, not just holding on. Flacco and Rodgers combined for 586 passing yards and seven touchdowns — the most by two 40+ QBs in a single game.
How did Joe Burrow’s injury impact the Bengals’ season?
Burrow’s toe injury on September 14, 2025, derailed Cincinnati’s playoff hopes. Without him, the Bengals went 0-3 with Jake Browning at QB, scoring an average of 14.3 points per game. Their offensive line struggled, and receivers were left without a true leader. Flacco’s arrival didn’t just replace Browning — it restored confidence. The team’s scoring jumped from 18.5 to 30.3 points per game in his two starts.
What does this loss mean for Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers?
The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 4-2 and put them in a precarious position in the AFC North. With Baltimore at 5-5 and Cincinnati now back in the race, the Steelers can’t afford another loss. Rodgers’ two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — were costly. If they don’t win at least three of their next four, their playoff chances vanish. This wasn’t just a defeat — it was a wake-up call.
Was Evan McPherson’s game-winning kick surprising?
Not really. McPherson had made 92% of his field goals under 40 yards this season, and 36 yards is essentially automatic for him. What was surprising was his composure after missing a 52-yarder earlier in the game — a kick that would’ve tied it at 30. He didn’t flinch. That mental toughness is why the Bengals kept him despite the earlier miss. In the NFL, clutch kickers are rare. He proved why he’s one.
How did the Bengals’ defense contribute to the win?
They didn’t dominate — but they made critical plays. Defensive back Jordan Battle intercepted a deep ball intended for DK Metcalf at the Bengals’ 24-yard line, leading directly to a Flacco touchdown. The defense also forced two punts in the final quarter and held Rodgers to just 3-of-8 on third downs after halftime. It wasn’t pretty, but it was enough.