Quick answer
- Winner
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Final score
- Cincinnati Bengals 23–20 Pittsburgh Steelers
- Halftime
- Pittsburgh Steelers 13–3 Cincinnati Bengals at halftime
- FantasyHQ MVP
- M. Wallace
- Top passer
- C. Palmer
- Biggest EPA play
- (13:44) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED…
- Game date
- 2009-09-27
Game summary
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 23–20 on 2009-09-27, overcoming Pittsburgh Steelers's 13–3 halftime lead. M. Wallace posted a game-high +8.90 total EPA in the receiving.
The highest-scoring period was Q4 with 14 combined points.
Line score
Final score and points by quarter.
| Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | — | T | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Pittsburgh Steelers | 10 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 20 |
 Cincinnati Bengals | 0 | 3 | 6 | 14 | 0 | 23 |
Scoring Map
Each pin marks where a score occurred on the field — yard line from play-by-play.
PITPittsburgh Steelers
(6:59) 3-J.Reed 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.
(1:14) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 39-W.Parker for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.
(12:48) 3-J.Reed 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.
(:03) 17-S.Graham 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Huber.
(13:44) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 22-J.Joseph at PIT 30. 22-J.Joseph for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(3:04) 7-B.Roethlisberger right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. CIN-58-R.Maualuga was injured during the play.
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.
(9:20) 32-C.Benson left tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(:18) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 87-A.Caldwell for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-C.Palmer pass to 40-B.Leonard is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
CINCincinnati BengalsFantasyHQ Analytics
Scoring timeline
Chronological scoring plays — scroll to follow the game.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 6:59FG Joe ReedPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 1
- Score
- 3-0
(6:59) 3-J.Reed 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 1:14TD WPW. ParkerPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 27
- Score
- 9-0
(1:14) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 39-W.Parker for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q1 1:02XP Joe ReedPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 10-0
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q2 12:48FG Joe ReedPoints+3
- Yard line
- CIN 6
- Score
- 13-0
(12:48) 3-J.Reed 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q2 0:03FG SGS. GrahamPoints+3
- Yard line
- PIT 16
- Score
- 13-3
(:03) 17-S.Graham 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Huber.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q3 13:44TD JJJ. JosephPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 76
- Score
- 13-9
(13:44) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 22-J.Joseph at PIT 30. 22-J.Joseph for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 3:04TD BRB. RoethlisbergerPoints+6
- Yard line
- CIN 1
- Score
- 19-9
(3:04) 7-B.Roethlisberger right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. CIN-58-R.Maualuga was injured during the play.
- PITPittsburgh Steelers
Q3 3:00XP Joe ReedPoints+1
- Yard line
- CIN 2
- Score
- 20-9
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 9:20TD CBC. BensonPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 23
- Score
- 20-15
(9:20) 32-C.Benson left tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 0:18TD ACA. CaldwellPoints+6
- Yard line
- PIT 4
- Score
- 20-21
(:18) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 87-A.Caldwell for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- CINCincinnati Bengals
Q4 0:14Safety CPC. PalmerPoints+2
- Yard line
- PIT 2
- Score
- 20-23
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-C.Palmer pass to 40-B.Leonard is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Stars of the game
Top performers by total expected points added (EPA).
- 1M. Wallace · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +8.90 total EPA · 8 snaps · +1.11 EPA/play
- 2H. Ward · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +7.11 total EPA · 5 snaps · +1.42 EPA/play
- 3B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Passing · +6.40 total EPA · 34 snaps · +0.19 EPA/play
- 4W. Parker · Pittsburgh Steelers · Receiving · +3.96 total EPA · 2 snaps · +1.98 EPA/play
- 5B. Leonard · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +3.94 total EPA · 3 snaps · +1.31 EPA/play
- 6C. Crocker · Cincinnati Bengals · Rushing · +3.66 total EPA · 1 snaps · +3.66 EPA/play
- 7A. Caldwell · Cincinnati Bengals · Receiving · +1.83 total EPA · 10 snaps · +0.18 EPA/play
- 8B. Roethlisberger · Pittsburgh Steelers · Rushing · +1.47 total EPA · 2 snaps · +0.73 EPA/play
FantasyHQ Game MVP
Highest total EPA with the player's top snap and the game's biggest single play when different.
FantasyHQ Game MVP
M. Wallace — PIT · Receiving
M. Wallace posted the highest total EPA (+8.90) in the game, the strongest overall impact for Pittsburgh Steelers. Across 8 counted snaps, they averaged +1.11 EPA per play.
M. Wallace's top snap (+3.50 EPA): (14:47) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 17-M.Wallace ran ob at CIN 10 for 51 yards.
Biggest single play (-6.38 EPA): B. Roethlisberger — (13:44) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 22-J.Joseph at PIT 30. 22-J.Joseph for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
Quarterback report card
C. Palmer led all passers in efficiency for Cincinnati Bengals, setting the tone in the passing game according to FantasyHQ analytics.
- C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) · 42 dropbacks · 47.6% completion · -4.0% CPOE · +0.02 EPA/play · +0.81 total EPA
- B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) · 34 dropbacks · 64.7% completion · +12.6% CPOE · +0.19 EPA/play · +6.40 total EPA
Team stats comparison
Side-by-side offensive and defensive efficiency.
| Stat | Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati Bengals |
|---|---|---|
| Offensive EPA/play | +0.048 | +0.036 |
| Offensive success rate | 51.4% | 47.5% |
| Pass EPA/play | +0.188 | +0.019 |
| Rush EPA/play | -0.094 | +0.164 |
| Defensive EPA/play | -0.036 | -0.048 |
| Defensive success rate | 52.5% | 48.6% |
Drive & efficiency notes
Both offenses finished within striking distance on EPA per play (Pittsburgh Steelers +0.05, Cincinnati Bengals +0.04) — a true toss-up on the analytics sheet.
Season benchmark context (offensive EPA per play):
- Pittsburgh Steelers: +0.05 EPA/play (66th percentile vs. 2009 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: +0.04 EPA/play (62nd percentile vs. 2009 team-game averages)
- Cincinnati Bengals: 10 drives, +2.85 total EPA, 3 scoring drives
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 10 drives, +3.52 total EPA, 5 scoring drives
Who scored touchdowns and field goals
Every touchdown and field goal from official play-by-play.
Touchdowns
- Pittsburgh Steelers — W. Parker (B. Roethlisberger pass)
- Cincinnati Bengals — J. Joseph
- Pittsburgh Steelers — B. Roethlisberger
- Cincinnati Bengals — C. Benson
- Cincinnati Bengals — A. Caldwell (C. Palmer pass)
Field goals
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Joe Reed
- Pittsburgh Steelers — Joe Reed
- Cincinnati Bengals — S. Graham
Quarter by quarter
Quarter-by-quarter recap from live scoring plays.
The opening quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 10–0. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 1 (Q1 6:59) — (6:59) 3-J.Reed 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.; Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 27 (Q1 1:14) — (1:14) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 39-W.Parker for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q1 1:02) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda..
The second quarter: The quarter finished even at 3–3. Pittsburgh Steelers connected on a field goal from the CIN 6 (Q2 12:48) — (12:48) 3-J.Reed 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda.; Cincinnati Bengals connected on a field goal from the PIT 16 (Q2 0:03) — (:03) 17-S.Graham 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Huber..
The third quarter: Pittsburgh Steelers won the period 7–6. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the CIN 76 (Q3 13:44); Pittsburgh Steelers found the end zone from the CIN 1 (Q3 3:04) — (3:04) 7-B.Roethlisberger right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. CIN-58-R.Maualuga was injured during the play.; Pittsburgh Steelers added 1 points from the CIN 2 (Q3 3:00) — 3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda..
The fourth quarter: Cincinnati Bengals won the period 14–0. Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 23 (Q4 9:20) — (9:20) 32-C.Benson left tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals found the end zone from the PIT 4 (Q4 0:18) — (:18) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 87-A.Caldwell for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.; Cincinnati Bengals registered a safety from the PIT 2 (Q4 0:14) — (Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-C.Palmer pass to 40-B.Leonard is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS..
Turning points
Plays that moved win probability the most.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:18) — (:18) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 87-A.Caldwell for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 13:44) — (13:44) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 22-J.Joseph at PIT 30. 22-J.Joseph for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 0:36) — (:36) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short right to 40-B.Leonard to PIT 4 for 11 yards (51-J.Farrior).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q4 1:00) — (1:00) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short right to 11-L.Coles to PIT 15 for 5 yards (24-I.Taylor).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q4 0:02) — (:02) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass incomplete deep right to 17-M.Wallace (24-G.Pope).
Impact plays
Highest EPA snaps that flipped field position.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q3 13:44) — (13:44) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 22-J.Joseph at PIT 30. 22-J.Joseph for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q1 12:34) — (12:34) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 86-H.Ward to CIN 49 for 41 yards (42-C.Crocker; 31-R.Williams).
- Cincinnati Bengals (Q3 1:32) — (1:32) (Punt formation) 42-C.Crocker left end to PIT 41 for 21 yards (14-L.Sweed, 27-J.Burnett).
- Pittsburgh Steelers (Q2 14:47) — (14:47) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 17-M.Wallace ran ob at CIN 10 for 51 yards.
Every scoring play
Chronological scoring with play-by-play context.
- Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q1 6:59 · CIN 1 · Score 3-0
(6:59) 3-J.Reed 19 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q1 1:14 · CIN 27 · Score 9-0
(1:14) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short left to 39-W.Parker for 27 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q1 1:02 · CIN 2 · Score 10-0
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda. - Pittsburgh Steelers FG (+3) — Q2 12:48 · CIN 6 · Score 13-0
(12:48) 3-J.Reed 24 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda. - Cincinnati Bengals FG (+3) — Q2 0:03 · PIT 16 · Score 13-3
(:03) 17-S.Graham 34 yard field goal is GOOD, Center-48-B.St. Louis, Holder-10-K.Huber. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q3 13:44 · CIN 76 · Score 13-9
(13:44) (Shotgun) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass short right intended for 10-S.Holmes INTERCEPTED by 22-J.Joseph at PIT 30. 22-J.Joseph for 30 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Pittsburgh Steelers TD (+6) — Q3 3:04 · CIN 1 · Score 19-9
(3:04) 7-B.Roethlisberger right guard for 1 yard, TOUCHDOWN. CIN-58-R.Maualuga was injured during the play. - Pittsburgh Steelers XP (+1) — Q3 3:00 · CIN 2 · Score 20-9
3-J.Reed extra point is GOOD, Center-60-G.Warren, Holder-9-D.Sepulveda. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 9:20 · PIT 23 · Score 20-15
(9:20) 32-C.Benson left tackle for 23 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals TD (+6) — Q4 0:18 · PIT 4 · Score 20-21
(:18) (Shotgun) 9-C.Palmer pass short middle to 87-A.Caldwell for 4 yards, TOUCHDOWN. - Cincinnati Bengals Safety (+2) — Q4 0:14 · PIT 2 · Score 20-23
(Pass formation) TWO-POINT CONVERSION ATTEMPT. 9-C.Palmer pass to 40-B.Leonard is complete. ATTEMPT SUCCEEDS.
Key takeaways
What to remember for fantasy research and follow-up box score digging.
- Cincinnati Bengals earned the result — use the box score for snap-level context.
- One-score margin — verify garbage-time stats before drawing fantasy conclusions.
- M. Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) led total EPA — start here for highlight and prop research.
- C. Palmer (CIN) finished below expected efficiency despite volume.
Frequently asked questions
Who won Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals on 2009-09-27?
The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 23-20 in Week 3, 2009.
What was the score by quarter in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Q1: Pittsburgh Steelers 10, Cincinnati Bengals 0; Q2: Pittsburgh Steelers 3, Cincinnati Bengals 3; Q3: Pittsburgh Steelers 7, Cincinnati Bengals 6; Q4: Pittsburgh Steelers 0, Cincinnati Bengals 14; Final: Pittsburgh Steelers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 23.
Who scored touchdowns and field goals in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — W. Parker (B. Roethlisberger pass) (Q1 1:14) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — J. Joseph (Q3 13:44) Pittsburgh Steelers touchdown — B. Roethlisberger (Q3 3:04) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — C. Benson (Q4 9:20) Cincinnati Bengals touchdown — A. Caldwell (C. Palmer pass) (Q4 0:18) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q1 6:59, 3 pts) Pittsburgh Steelers field goal — J. Reed (Q2 12:48, 3 pts) Cincinnati Bengals field goal — S. Graham (Q2 0:03, 3 pts) Extra points followed each touchdown unless noted in the play-by-play.
How did the quarterbacks play in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
C. Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals), 47.6% completion, -4.0% CPOE, +0.02 EPA per dropback, +0.81 total passing EPA. B. Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers), 64.7% completion, +12.6% CPOE, +0.19 EPA per dropback, +6.40 total passing EPA.
Who was FantasyHQ's player of the game in Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
M. Wallace (Pittsburgh Steelers) was FantasyHQ's Game MVP with +8.90 total EPA on Receiving plays. across 8 snaps. Their top snap (+3.50 EPA): (14:47) 7-B.Roethlisberger pass deep right to 17-M.Wallace ran ob at CIN 10 for 51 yards..
Was Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals a close game?
Yes — the margin was 3 points. Cincinnati Bengals won 23-20 in a game that came down to the wire.
Season records after this game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Entered 1-1 Now 1-2 L
Cincinnati Bengals
Entered 1-1 Now 2-1 W
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