This weekend the Pittsburgh Steelers will attempt to get a win off of a desperate Cincinnati Bengals team. This Bengals team greatly resembles the Steelers on offense. However, the defensive edge will be with the Steelers this weekend. This clear advantage will be part of the Pittsburgh Steelers formula for success against the Cincinnati Bengals. Below is a look at the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals matchup this week and what the Steelers need to do to be victorious.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cincinnati Bengals: Pittsburgh’s Formula to Get a Win
Stop Joe Mixon
The Bengals offense resembles the Steelers in many ways. The biggest similarity between both teams is the “run first” mentality. Youth and inconsistency at quarterback for both teams could be the reason for such reliance on the run game. Lack of an effective passing attack is why both teams are among the worst in the NFL in offensive touchdowns.
Cincinnati has opted to start rookie quarterback Ryan Finley over veteran Andy Dalton. Neither Bengals signal caller has been able to muster up a respected air attack. This Bengals team will continue to rely on Joe Mixon, last year’s AFC rushing leader, to chew up the clock and get them in to the red zone. Expect to see the Steelers stack the box and force Finley to make mistakes.
Joe Mixon poses a threat to the Steelers defense both through the air and on the ground. In Week two, the Seattle Seahawks proved that a short passing attack could wear out this Steelers sack crazed defense. Inside Linebackers Devin Bush and Vince Williams will be counted on to stick to Mixon like glue on every down.
Offensive Line Must Lead the Way
Maurkice Pouncey has been given a two-game suspension for his role in the Myles Garrett brawl. This means B.J. Finney is going to be leading the way this week at center. Finney is a well respected, versatile interior lineman that will live up the standard head coach Mike Tomlin demands. James Conner will miss this week with a shoulder injury, so fans should get ready for the return of “Benny Snell football.”
Key matchups this week are sure to be up front against former Pro Bowlers Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap. Sam Hubbard has also emerged as a force on the outside for Matt Feiler to handle. The Steelers have also struggled with nose tackle Andrew Billings in the past. Billings resembles former Steelers nose tackle Casey Hampton in the way he dominates his gap demanding attention.
Look for the Steelers to come out and establish the run game early. The return of Benny Snell means the Steelers are most likely going to come out and pound the rock between the tackles. Success between the tackles should lead to positive screens and dump offs to Jaylen Samuels.
Steelers Defensive Backs Must Dominate
It is no secret that the Steelers will be stacking the box against the run this week. Keith Butler should be forcing this game into the hands of Minkah Fitzpatrick and company. A.J. Green and Auden Tate are on the injury report for this week. Should they sit out, Tyler Boyd and Alex Erickson will once again start against a tough secondary. Steven Nelson and Joe Haden are both having stand out seasons and should continue their domination against a receiving core that lacks elite speed.
This Steelers secondary is known for their ability to get after the quarterback. Look for that unit to try and confuse the Bengals pass protection. Mike Hilton and Terrell Edmunds could each have an opportunity to record a sack in this game. It is as perfect of a game as any to bring the heat since the Steelers sacked Andy Dalton eight times in their last meeting.
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