CINCINNATI — Sam Cook’s song “A Change is Gonna Come” played on a continuous loop in the Cincinnati Bengals’ locker room Sunday, providing the musical score for a groundbreaking win.
In five frenetic minutes, the Bengals earned some legitimacy and won back their town.
Carson Palmer’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Andre Caldwell with 14 seconds left provided a 23-20 victory that ended the Pittsburgh Steelers’ nearly decade-long domination in Cincinnati, one that appeared set to go on indefinitely until the final drive.
“Priceless,” Bengals offensive lineman Bobbie Williams said. “The past is the past. This is a new team and a new day.”
The Steelers (1-2) had won their last eight games on Cincinnati’s home field. The last time the Bengals beat them at Paul Brown Stadium was 2001, when Chad Ochocinco was a rookie.
The defending Super Bowl champions dominated most of the game but wasted chances to put the Bengals away. Jeff Reed missed another field goal — and Limas Sweed dropped a pass in the end zone, keeping it close to the end.
“If we score touchdowns in the first half, it’s not even a game,” Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward said.
Palmer led the Bengals (2-1) on a 16-play, 71-yard winning drive against one of the NFL’s best defenses, repeatedly converting there-or-else throws.
“Indescribable,” Palmer said. “The fans wanted it as much as we did, and it felt great to see those hands go up signaling a touchdown and hear them roar.”
