Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: 3 Key Stats Going into Second Half

That could have gone better.

After allowing 21 straight points to start the game, Cincy got on the scoreboard with a 10-play, 80-yard drive to make this a two-score game. But a key punt return touchdown from Antonio Brown gave Pittsburgh a 28-7 lead heading into half.

Here are four key stats at halftime that provide some teaching point for Cincinnati to take control of this game in the second half.

Cedric Benson: Nine Carries, 42 Yards

Benson has not had much career success at Heinz field in his career, with just 76 yards in three career games going into this week. He’s been semi-successful today. Cincy needs to find a way to get him the ball in space, like last week when he caught four balls out of the backfield for 24 yards.

Six Penalties for 80 Yards

Penalties just kill a young team, especially on the road. Giving an offense like Pittsburgh free yards is just asking for it. Cincy really has to clean things up on both sides of the football in the second half.

A.J. Green: Four Receptions, 73 Yards, TD, 15 Rushing Yards

Well, one thing has been working for Cincinnati today. Whether it’s on the end-around, the deep ball or a screen pass, Cincy has to keep freeing A.J. Green. If Green can keep getting open down field, he might just open things up for Benson up the gut.

Two Sacks

It took a while, but the Bengals have finally started to put some pressure on Big Ben. Both sacks came on the Steelers’ final drive, which certainly gives the Bengals some momentum heading into the second half. Cincy needs at least two more sacks to win this game.