Frustration was palpable in the Pittsburgh locker room following Thursday night’s nail-biting 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Everyone was buzzing about the questionable calls, and emotions were running high. While some players voiced their frustrations about the officiating, Jalen Ramsey chose a different path, ensuring that accountability remained front and center amidst the chaos.

Ramsey’s comments after the game were refreshingly candid. “F*** the calls. We don’t worry about that. We have to play better. Starting with myself,” he told reporters.

His response might have just sent a message to the entire locker room. The All-Pro corner wasn’t brushing off the officiating; he was dismissing the idea of using it as an excuse. His words drew a clear line between frustration and focus, sending a message to his teammates that whining about the refs won’t change the outcome. 

His remarks came right after fellow cornerback Joey Porter Jr. expressed that he “wasn’t a big fan of the calls today with the officiating. It is what it is; it’s football.” Ramsey’s response seemed like a gentle nudge to his younger teammate: focus on what you can control.  “Next play, you’ve got to execute when the chance comes,” Ramsey added. 

Throughout the game against Cincinnati, the Steelers’ cornerbacks received numerous flags, including one for pass interference that should have been given to Ja’Marr Chase rather than Ramsey. 

The Steelers’ defense had a rough night, allowing Joe Flacco to rack up 342 yards and three touchdowns. T.J. Watt labeled the unit’s performance as “unacceptable.” However, Ramsey didn’t pile on the criticism. His message was about discipline and leadership, not pointing fingers. “We have receivers that are superstars in the league. You know that they get away with things like that. It is what it is.”

As Pittsburgh looks to regroup, Ramsey’s stance serves as a clear challenge to his teammates. The officiating may have left a mark, but for the veteran corner, how they respond is what truly matters. 

Steelers exposed again as Bengals’ Flacco pick apart Pittsburgh’s defense on TNF

The Pittsburgh Steelers had a golden opportunity to make a statement in the AFC North, but instead, they found themselves exposed once again. A 33-31 loss to the Bengals left head coach Mike Tomlin scrambling for answers, while his defense struggled to find its footing.

This defeat was about more than just the final score; it was about how it all unfolded. Joe Flacco, at 40 years old and just a week into his new role with the Bengals, lit up the Steelers’ defense. The revamped defense, designed to contain stars like Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, instead allowed Chase to break a franchise record for receptions and Higgins to set up the game-winning kick in the dying seconds.

“It seemed like everything went wrong,” T.J. Watt complained. “Absolutely an unacceptable performance from us on the defensive side of the ball.”

The Steelers’ struggles on Thursday nights continued, marking their seventh consecutive loss in AFC North road games under the lights. Bruised from their previous week’s win over Cleveland, the defense failed to generate any pressure or create turnovers. Flacco was able to throw 47 passes without facing serious challenges, while the Bengals averaged over six yards per carry.

Despite the setback, there were glimpses of hope. Rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson showed potential, and tight ends Pat Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington continued to impress in Arthur Smith’s offense.

Tomlin remained optimistic, saying, “We won’t be defined by this performance.” However, the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers, now fifth all-time in passing yards, are coming to town next. Pittsburgh will need to regroup quickly to avoid letting this slump dictate their season.