PITTSBURGH — The Cincinnati Bengals' plan to have Joe Flacco keep them competitive until Joe Burrow can return from toe surgery has hit a major snag.

Flacco was riding high after his first game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, a 33-31 victory on Oct. 16. But the 40-year-old struggled in Sunday's rematch, throwing a costly interception as the Bengals lost 34-12 to extend their skid to three games.

“We have to find a way to scratch and claw, get a win and get that feeling back we had three weeks ago when we beat Pittsburgh,” coach Zac Taylor said. “That’s our only option right now.”

The Bengals (3-7) lost four straight before beating the Steelers last month. They haven't won since, and their chances of staying in contention in the weak AFC North are dwindling.

“Our goal was t

See Full Page