Just like his predecessor, Mitch Trubisky orchestrates Steelers' game-winning drive

CINCINNATI — The Ben Roethlisberger era may be over, but the wild finishes endure for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In their first game since Roethlisberger’s retirement following an 18-year career, the Steelers overcame a tying touchdown pass in the final seconds of regulation to beat the Cincinnati Bengals, 23-20, in overtime Sunday at Paycor Stadium.

Chris Boswell’s 53-yard field goal as time expired in the extra period atoned for an earlier 55-yard miss and snapped the Steelers’ three-game losing streak to the defending AFC champions.

Roethlisberger orchestrated 53 game-winning drives in his career, tied for second-most in NFL history. Mitch Trubisky accomplished the feat in his first start as Roethlisberger’s successor — and for the seventh time in his six NFL seasons.

“You always want to get that first one, being new to a team,” said Trubisky, who joined the Steelers after spending a year in Buffalo as a backup. “Being back as the starter, it means a lot. It was crazy, but at the end of the day, we found a way. That’s all that matters is the win.”

Although the defense led the way by forcing five turnovers that the Steelers turned into 17 points, Trubisky led the offense 45 yards to set up Boswell’s winning field goal.

“He did not blink,” coach Mike Tomlin said of Trubisky. “He made the necessary plays in the waning moments.”

Related:

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• Najee Harris, Levi Wallace, Robert Spillane among injured Steelers after win at Bengals
• Steelers vs. Bengals: What they're saying in Cincinnati after loss

Leading for nearly all of regulation, the Steelers gave up the tying touchdown pass with 0:02 left on the clock, but Minkah Fitzpatrick blocked the extra-point try to send the game to overtime.

Putting a damper on the win was the loss of NFL defensive player of the year T.J. Watt to a pectoral injury late in the fourth quarter. Running back Najee Harris also didn’t play in overtime because of a foot injury.

“He’s a leader, the defensive player of the year,” defensive captain Cam Heyward said about Watt. “However long it takes, other guys have to step up.”