Steelers Star CB Criticizes Officiating After Heartbreaking Loss to Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers fell to the Cincinnati Bengals in a narrow 33-31 defeat on Thursday Night Football, and star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. didn’t hold back his frustration after the game. In his postgame comments, Porter Jr. openly criticized the officiating crew, suggesting that the referees’ decisions had a major impact on the outcome.

“We’ve got the guys to do it — they just gotta let us play,” Porter Jr. said after the loss. “I wasn’t a big fan of the calls today with the officiating, but it is what it is. It’s football.”

Porter Jr. pointed out two critical defensive pass interference (DPI) calls against him, both of which directly benefited Cincinnati’s offense. The first came in the opening quarter while defending Ja’Marr Chase, and the second occurred late in the first half against Tee Higgins, extending a Bengals drive that resulted in a field goal to make it 17-10.

Overall, Pittsburgh was flagged seven times for 59 yards, compared to just four penalties for 35 yards on Cincinnati — a discrepancy that left players and fans alike questioning the consistency of officiating.

Despite the defensive struggles, the Steelers’ offense showed resilience. Aaron Rodgers threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with Pat Freiermuth for 106 yards and a 68-yard score that briefly gave Pittsburgh a 31-30 lead late in the game. However, Evan McPherson’s 36-yard field goal with seven seconds remaining sealed the Bengals’ victory.

The loss dropped Pittsburgh to 4-2, though the team remains in first place in the AFC North. For Porter Jr., the sting wasn’t just about the score — it was about feeling that the team’s effort was overshadowed by questionable officiating.

“Let us compete,” he said. “That’s all we’re asking for — a fair game.”