CINCINNATI – It'll be known around these parts as "The Meltdown."
With a chance to finally end their playoff futility, the Bengals let it all slip away.
A fumble, a defensive lapse, and two ugly penalties set up Pittsburgh's winning field goal for an 18-16 victory on Saturday night.
Linebacker Vontaze Burfict and cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones — players with a history of getting out of control — drew personal fouls that moved the Steelers in range for the winning kick.
"This was a disgraceful performance by the Cincinnati Bengals," said CBS analyst Boomer Esiason, the quarterback of Cincinnati's 1988 Super Bowl team.
"An ugly performance by one Vontaze Burfict, who should not only be fined, but suspended for a significant amount of time. The guy is a danger on the field to opposing football players.
"I'm a former Bengal and I'm embarrassed by the way this game ended and by the way these guys acted on the field. I feel bad for [coach] Marvin Lewis.
"And I'll tell you one thing, if Marvin Lewis can't control his players, maybe Marvin Lewis shouldn't be standing there on the sidelines coaching."