In a post-game report, referee Shawn Hochuli addressed officiating decisions following the Cincinnati Bengals' narrow 44-38 defeat to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The game featured a staggering 20 penalties totaling 204 yards, with Bengals players expressing frustration over a critical call.
With 2:05 left in the first half, Bengals head coach Zac Taylor opted for a fourth-and-1 attempt. However, a neutral zone infraction by Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts was misjudged, leading to a false start penalty on Bengals guard Alex Cappa instead. This decision resulted in a forced punt, allowing the Steelers to score again before halftime.
Quarterback Joe Burrow and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase voiced their disappointment over the officiating, highlighting the significance of the missed call. Center Ted Karras offered a nuanced perspective, hinting at his disagreement without directly criticizing the officials.
