Pittsburgh Steelers

Vs.

Cincinnati Bengals

August 30, 1969

Rookie Quarterback Stars in Cincinnati Win

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Rookie Greg Cook flipped a touchdown pass and set up three field goals by Dale Livingston with his pinpoint throws as the Cincinnati Bengals tripped the Pittsburgh Steelers, 23-13, Saturday night in an interleague exhibition game.

Cook completed eight of 11 passes for 165 yards in the first half and led the American League team to scores four of the first five times it had the ball, all against Steeler regulars, before 28,732 fans.

Setting up his passes with the running of Paul Robinson, Cook used wide receivers Eric Crabtree and rookie Speedy Thomas. The Bengals scored on the first series in 11 plays with Cook setting it up with an eleven-yard pass to Bob Trumpy and a 25 yard run by Robinson.

The Steelers tied the game with a 12-yard field-goal by Gene Mingo highlighted by a 38-yard pass to John Hilton and a 25-yarder to Roy Jefferson. But, the Bengals stopped the Steelers' passing attack and forced the kick.

Livingston added a 45-yard field goal in the second quarter set up by Cook's 18-yard pass to Crabtree.

Cook then hit Crabtree with a 51-yard pass to set up another field goal from the 16-yard line. Dick Shiner couldn't get the Steelers moving again and Cincinnati took over and scored on a 55-yard pass to Thomas, who got the ball over his head. The kick was good.

Kent Nix took over in the second half for the Steelers and, even with an all rookie Cincinnati defensive backfield, couldn't move the Steelers.

Earl Gros got Pittsburgh's only touchdown on a 1-yard run with 2 ½ minutes to play following a 51-yard pass from Rookie Terry Hanratty to John Nice and the Bengals added a touchdown when Bobby Walden was turned to run a fake punt attempt and was hit on his own six. The Bengals took over and Paul Robinson scored from the one.
 

Livingston kicked field goals from 19, 45 and 16 yards and missed twice.

Scoring Summary

First Quarter

CIN- FG Livingston 19

PITT- FG Mingo 12

Second Quarter

CIN- FG Livingston 45

CIN- FG Livingston 16

CIN- Thomas 55 yard pass from Cook (Livingston kick)

PITT- FG Mingo 34

Fourth Quarter

CIN- Robinson 1 run   (Livingston kick)

PITT- Gros 1 run (Mingo kick)

Att- 28,732

RETURN