Imagine a thrilling NFL showdown where two veteran quarterbacks in their 40s go head-to-head, delivering a nail-biting finish that leaves fans on the edge of their seats. That’s exactly what happened on October 16, 2025, when the Cincinnati Bengals edged out the Pittsburgh Steelers 33-31 in a game that had it all. Joe Flacco, the 40-year-old signal-caller acquired just days earlier from the Cleveland Browns, showcased his enduring talent by throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns. But here’s where it gets even more dramatic: with just seven seconds left on the clock, Evan McPherson nailed a 36-yard field goal to secure the Bengals’ victory, snapping their four-game losing streak.
This wasn’t just any game—it was only the third time in NFL history that two starting quarterbacks in their 40s faced off in a regular-season matchup. Flacco, in his second start for Cincinnati, completed 31 of 47 passes, outdueling the Steelers’ 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers, however, wasn’t going down without a fight. He threw for 244 yards and four touchdowns, including a jaw-dropping 68-yard strike to Pat Freiermuth with just 2:31 remaining, giving Pittsburgh a brief 31-30 lead. And this is the part most people miss: on that play, Rodgers rolled left and found Freiermuth wide open after he created separation from safety Geno Stone, showcasing the kind of veteran instincts that make him a legend.
But Flacco wasn’t done. With ice in his veins, he led the Bengals on a 52-yard drive in just eight plays, connecting with Ja’Marr Chase for 15 and 18 yards to push into Steelers territory. Then, with 1:39 left, he hit Tee Higgins for a 28-yard gain, setting up McPherson’s game-winning kick. Chase, by the way, had a monster night with 16 receptions for 161 yards and a touchdown, becoming just the fourth receiver in NFL history to record two games with at least 14 catches in a single season. Higgins added six catches for 96 yards, while Chase Brown rushed for 108 yards on 11 carries.
For the Steelers, Freiermuth finished with four catches for 106 yards, and Jaylen Warren rushed for 127 yards on 16 carries. But here’s the controversial part: was this game a testament to the enduring greatness of aging quarterbacks, or a sign that both teams’ defenses are showing their cracks? The Bengals, now 3-4, will host the New York Jets on October 26, while the Steelers (4-2) will face Green Bay in a prime-time matchup the same day. Injuries played a role too, with Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson sidelined due to a hip injury suffered the previous week.
This game was more than just a win or loss—it was a reminder of the grit, strategy, and sheer unpredictability that make the NFL so captivating. What do you think? Are Flacco and Rodgers proving age is just a number, or is this a fleeting moment in their storied careers? Let us know in the comments!
