Imagine two NFL legends, both in their 40s, battling it out in a primetime showdown that comes down to the final seconds. That's exactly what happened when the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 in a thrilling Thursday night clash on October 16, 2025. But here's where it gets controversial... Was this a triumph of experience or a testament to the Bengals' resilience after a four-game slump? Let's dive in.
Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old quarterback acquired from the Cleveland Browns just nine days prior, delivered a performance that defied his age. In his second start for Cincinnati, Flacco threw for 342 yards and three touchdowns, completing 31 of 47 passes. His counterpart, the equally seasoned 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers, wasn't far behind, tossing four touchdowns and two interceptions for 244 yards. This marked only the third time in NFL history that two starting quarterbacks in their 40s faced off in a regular-season game—a historic moment that left fans debating: Is age truly just a number in the NFL?
The game's climax came with just seven seconds left. After Rodgers connected with Pat Freiermuth on a jaw-dropping 68-yard touchdown to give the Steelers a 31-30 lead with 2:31 remaining, Flacco calmly led the Bengals 52 yards in eight plays. Key completions to Ja'Marr Chase (15 and 18 yards) and a 28-yard strike to Tee Higgins set up Evan McPherson's game-winning 36-yard field goal. And this is the part most people miss... Chase's 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown made him just the fourth receiver in NFL history with two games of at least 14 catches in a single season. Talk about a record-breaking night!
For the Steelers, Freiermuth's four catches for 106 yards and Jaylen Warren's 127 rushing yards on 16 carries kept Pittsburgh competitive. However, it wasn't enough to overcome the Bengals' late-game heroics. Here's a thought-provoking question for you... With both Flacco and Rodgers showcasing their prowess, does this game challenge the narrative that younger quarterbacks are the future of the league? Let us know in the comments!
Injuries played a role too, as Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson was sidelined with a hip injury suffered the previous week against Green Bay. Looking ahead, the Steelers host the Packers on October 26, while the Bengals welcome the New York Jets the same day. Will Flacco's magic continue? Only time will tell. One thing's for sure—this game will be remembered as a testament to the enduring skill of two NFL greats.
