The Pittsburgh Steelers put on a commanding performance in Week 12, securing a 16-10 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. With this win, the Steelers now hold a 7-4 record, keeping them atop the AFC Wildcard race. Let's take a closer look at the best and worst performances from this impressive showing.

Quarterback Kenneth Pickett emerged as the standout player of the game, delivering the best performance of his career. Pickett showcased his skills by making multiple high-caliber throws and finished the day with an impressive 24-of-33 completions for 278 yards. While he didn't have a touchdown, he showed great promise and demonstrated a league-average NFL passing game. Pickett's success can be attributed to effectively utilizing the middle of the field, which allowed him to excel in completion percentage over expectation (CPOE) and expected points added per play (EPA/play).

Running back Najee Harris had his time to shine in Week 12, leading the Steelers' ground attack. Harris accumulated 99 yards on the ground and was responsible for the team's lone touchdown. His notable performance included an impressive run where he refused to be stopped, turning what seemed like a short gain into a 20-yard pickup. Harris has played a crucial role in the Steelers' strong run game, serving as the catalyst for their offensive success.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth made a remarkable comeback, showcasing his potential in this performance. After returning from injury last week, Freiermuth made a significant impact with an impressive nine catches for 120 yards. He proved to be a valuable asset both as a reliable receiver and as a deep threat down the seam. The Steelers utilized Freiermuth perfectly, and fans can expect to see more of his dynamic play in future games.

The offensive line, led by Broderick Jones, has been instrumental in the Steelers' recent success in the run game. Jones and his fellow linemen, including Isaac Seumalo, James Daniels, and Darnell Washington, have shored up the offensive line, allowing Pittsburgh to establish its identity as a dominant rushing team. Their improvement at the right time has proven crucial to the Steelers' recent victories.

Defensively, safety Derek Thompson has seamlessly filled in for Minkah Fitzpatrick and Keeanu Neal. Thompson's strong coverage skills were on display in Week 12, as he nearly intercepted a pass against the Browns and successfully hauled in an interception against the Bengals, setting up Harris' touchdown. Thompson's performances have been impressive, and he is expected to continue thriving alongside Fitzpatrick.

Linebacker T.J. Watt once again showcased his exceptional skills, becoming only the second player in NFL history to reach 90 sacks in his first 100 career games. Watt recorded two sacks, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble, reaffirming his status as a top candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Defensive lineman Cameron Heyward also had a standout game, delivering impactful plays throughout. Heyward recorded a tackle for loss, a sack, and a hit on Bengals quarterback Jake Browning, displaying his All-Pro caliber abilities.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was exceptional in containing Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase, allowing him to catch only two passes in their matchups. Porter has yet to allow a receiver to surpass 40 yards receiving this season, highlighting his exceptional talent.

Kicker Chris Boswell continued his outstanding season, going a perfect 3-of-3 on field goals in Week 12. Boswell's reliability has solidified his reputation as one of the best kickers in the league.

The Steelers' new offensive coordinator and playcaller duo, Randy Faulkner and Matt Sullivan, made it clear from the start that the team's offensive approach would change. They successfully diversified the passing game, strategically utilizing the middle of the field and ending a 58-game streak without 400 yards of offense. Faulkner and Sullivan's adjustments played a key role in the Steelers' victory.

While running back Jaylen Warren had a relatively quiet game, with a fumble and underwhelming performance on the ground, his previous strong performances should not be overshadowed. Warren remains one of the game's top running backs and is expected to bounce back.

Wide receiver Diontae Johnson had a mixed game, highlighted by a dropped touchdown catch that could have been challenged. However, he did manage a 39-yard reception down the sideline. Despite a few negatives, Johnson's contributions cannot be dismissed in an otherwise impressive team performance.

In conclusion, the Steelers' dominant display against the Bengals in Week 12 showcased the team's potential. Quarterback Kenneth Pickett, running back Najee Harris, and tight end Pat Freiermuth stood out as key playmakers, while the offensive line and defensive stars such as T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward played crucial roles in the team's victory. The Steelers' new offensive coordinator and playcaller duo also received praise for their strategic adjustments. With a 7-4 record, the Steelers now look to continue their strong form and maintain their position atop the AFC Wildcard race.