UNC Football: Giovani Bernard scores twice in Bengals’ upset of Steelers

Former UNC football standout Giovani Bernard scores two touchdowns in Bengals’ upset win over Steelers

Cincinnati Bengals veteran running back Giovani Bernard had one of his most productive games of the season on Monday night, and it helped the AFC North’s last-place team to an upset victory over the slumping Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bernard has either been a backup or split carries for the majority of his eight-year NFL career, but he got starter’s snaps on Monday night that saw him carry the ball 25 times en route to 83 rushing yards and a touchdown. Bernard’s 4-yard run in the second quarter was the third of the season for him, and it increased the Bengals’ lead over the Steelers to 10-0.

Less than 10 minutes later, Cincinnati quarterback Ryan Finley hit Bernard on a 14-yard strike to the end zone that gave the Bengals a commanding 17-0 lead over Pittsburgh at halftime. And throughout the second half, the Bengals were aided by Bernard’s ground gains that helped them advance the ball and drain the clock on the way to a 27-17 victory that gave the Steelers their third consecutive loss after starting the season with a perfect 11-0 record.

Bernard and the Bengals improved to just 3-10-1 on the season, but showed what many think could be the start of something special in Cincinnati, especially once No. 1 draft pick and starting signal-caller Joe Burrow returns from injury next year.

Bernard now has 344 rushing yards on the season, the most he’s had since his 458 in 2017. His three rushing touchdowns are tied for the most he’s had since he had five in 2014. And his three receiving touchdowns are the most he’s had since his rookie season in 2013.

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