Rain made for some sloppy and ugly football at Heinz Field Sunday.  

Coming into Sunday a lot of talk centered around the high-powered offenses, specifically the quarterback and wide receiver combinations.  Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown struggled to gain any rhythm and the rain also slowed down Andy Dalton and A.J. Green. 

Brown had only one catch in the first half and Roethlisberger threw two interceptions. The only highlight came from Xavier Grimble who made a diving touchdown catch in the first quarter.  The Bengals settled for a pair of field goals and went into halftime trailing 10-6.

For most of the game Roethlisberger looked very uncomfortable in the pocket.  Not only was he under pressure from the Bengals defense he had trouble keeping his footing on the wet turf. After trying several deep balls, Big Ben finally connected in the third quarter.  Sammie Coates was at the receiving end of a 53 yard bomb. That pass set the Steelers up inside the 10 yard line where Roethlisberger hit tight end Jesse James in the end zone.  After a 7-play, 91-yard drive the Steelers led 17-6.

The Bengals answered right back with a long drive of their own. A pass interference penalty set the Bengals up with a first-and-goal from the one-yard-line, but the Steelers defense made a huge stand holding the Bengals to another field goal. The third quarter ended with the score 17-9.

As the rain intensified the Steelers put to the ball in the hands of DeAngelo Williams.  Doing it on the ground and in the air he capped off a 12-play drive with a touchdown catch.  Williams, who was the AFC offensive player in Week One, continued his steady play.  He finished the game with 94 yards rushing and 38 yards receiving.

The Bengals answered with a quick touchdown drive to cut the lead to 24-16  After the Steelers were unable to get a first down, the Bengals got the ball back with three minutes to play and 75 yards away from a game tying touchdown.

Brandon LeFell caught a 17-yard strike as the Bengals marched into Steelers territory.

On the very next play wide receiver Tyler Boyd fumbled after being hit by linebacker James Harrison. Instant replay appeared to show Boyd’s knee was down before the ball came loose, but the referee did not overturn the call.  The Steelers held on for a 24-16 victory.

Very fitting for a Steelers and Bengals game to end with a little controversy.

Pittsburgh is now 2-0 and will go on the road to play the Philadelphia Eagles. You can see that game next Sunday on WTAJ-TV.  Kickoff is 4:25 p.m.