The Pittsburgh Steelers earned a dominant 34-12 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium, avenging their early-season loss and keeping their 6-4 lead atop the AFC North.
In this impressive win, tight end Darnell Washington delivered a standout performance, making two crucial plays that energized Steelers fans for the rest of the season.
Steelers Celebrate Another Great Performance by Darnell Washington
A highlight came when quarterback Aaron Rodgers, facing 3rd & 21 in the second quarter, connected with Washington, whose catch after leaping over defenders nearly secured a first down and kept the Steelers’ drive alive.
Though Washington was tackled before the first down, his effort in this crucial play drew praise. His strength and reliable hands have defined his breakout season, earning acknowledgment from Bengals legend Chad Johnson, who challenged himself to avenge his teammates against the Steelers’ TE.
I want to fight Darnell Washington, I must my revenge my teammates 🤨
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) November 16, 2025
Despite the Steelers’ offensive struggles this season, Washington has emerged as a trusted target for veteran quarterback Rodgers. His unique speed and size have strengthened their connection each week.
Washington (who currently ranks 38th in the PFSN TE Impact with a C grade) also contributed a long reception before halftime that set up a field goal. He finished with two catches for 46 yards, adding to his season stats of 14 receptions, 142 yards, and one touchdown in the first 10 games.
Darnell Washington is out here hurdling
CINvsPIT on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/PXFUzuXYVm
— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2025
The TE trio, which also includes Pat Freiermuth and Joannu Smith, is one of the best in the NFL this regular season, even though the three have very different characteristics, so much so that none of them managed to reach the 300-snap mark before Week 11. Even so, the adjustments made week-by-week are allowing the attack to gradually improve its performance.
Washington, now integral to the Steelers’ offense in 2025, is concerned about Rodgers after the veteran exited to the locker room at halftime. With Mason Rudolph finishing out the game, the team awaits updates on their starting quarterback.
There will certainly be high expectations for Rodgers to recover before next Sunday, when the Steelers return to the field to face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. After their win today, the Steelers now have a 72.4% chance of making the playoffs, according to PFSN’s Playoff Predictor. Their best chance of doing so would be winning their division, with the AFC North turning into a two-horse race between Pittsburgh and Baltimore.
