The Steelers and Bengals rivalry on Sunday will be the first AFC North division game overall. The game will be a hard-fought match between two hopeful yet desperate teams. The Bengals are 1-1 and are fresh off of a loss to the Chicago Bears. The Steelers are also 1-1, and are also coming off a loss to a good team: the red-hot Las Vegas Raiders. This divisional matchup will be a good one to watch, but each team is struggling with certain aspects of the game. The two teams will try to take advantage of each others’ shortcomings: they may just exploit a weakness. Notably, each team is battling crucial injuries; these teams are not the same without some of their stars.
Steelers and Bengals Rivalry Kicks Off AFC North Divisional Competition
Game Overview
The Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) will take on the visiting Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) at home this Sunday, 9/26, at 1 pm EST for a divisional Week 3 matchup. Both teams are coming off of losses to the Raiders and Bears, respectively. After having a good game on the defensive line last week, the Steelers will seek to improve on each of the other groups this week. The secondary was toasted by Derek Carr, their rushing offense (specifically offensive line) was practically a joke, and their passing offense still needs work. The Bengals instead had to deal with a poor offensive game: their defense, especially the pass rush, was sound. But their offense (207 passing yards, three interceptions, one fumble lost, and five sacks) could definitely be improved upon. Each team will aim to correct their faults this week. The two conflicting schemes will be the difference in this game.
Difference in Schemes Highlights Steelers and Bengals Rivalry
The Bengals run a fairly balanced offense; for instance, they have had 57 snaps be passes and 56 snaps be runs. For Pittsburgh, 72 of their plays have been passes, and only 35 plays have been runs. The Steelers are a very pass heavy team, with 67 percent of their plays being passes. The Steelers defense plays more of a compact zone defense and contains the run fairly well. They are giving up just about 3.4 yards per carry, which is not bad. But after Pittsburgh’s poor secondary performance last week, Cincinnati may try to up their passing game a little more for this matchup. For Cincinnati, however, they have a more well-rounded defensive unit who keeps yards-per-play to a minimum.
What to Watch For + Exploiting Weaknesses
Steelers Likely Game Plan: With veteran quarterback “Big Ben” Roethlisberger dealing with a pectoral injury, the Steelers offensive plan will likely revolve around the run and short-pass games. But with little help from the offensive line so far, Pittsburgh will likely have difficulties getting the offense going unless the offensive line takes a big step forward. The Steelers game plan on defense should be to contain Joe Burrow and his dangerous receiving weapons.
What the Bengals Will Likely Do: Tyler Boyd, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins (questionable) usually lead the way for the Bengals passing attack. After Burrow threw three picks last week, he is looking to get the ball to his receivers and let them do their magic. The Bengals, on defense, must contain the run game, and will likely stack the box to prevent run and short pass plays. This should be effective against an injured Roethlisberger and a struggling offensive line.
Who to Watch For: Scouting Report
Key PIT Players To Watch For: On the offensive side of the ball, the Steelers should give Najee Harris a heavy workload. The offensive line could create just enough space to get Harris through the Bengals lackluster front seven. On defense, the team leaders, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, must step up and force some turnovers. Watt already has three sacks this season, two of which have forced fumbles. Fitzpatrick is still without a turnover this season. This is a perfect match for him to capitalize on a struggling Joe Burrow.
Key CIN Players To Watch For: Joe Burrow is looking for a bounce-back game. After a fairly poor performance last week, Burrow will try to take advantage of an injured Pittsburgh defense and get himself and his offense back on track. On defense, Cincinnati’s defensive backs need to blanket cover Pittsburgh’s receivers. High-caliber players like Jessie Bates and Mike Hilton (former Steeler) will force Big Ben into making some risky and potentially costly throws that could change the course of the game.
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Injury Report
All Injury News Comes From ESPN and team reports-
PIT Injuries and News: After leaving early from last week’s game with a minor groin injury, Watt is expected to be ready for Sunday’s matchup. Also, the returns of Joe Haden and Devin Bush are probable; these two would give a boost to the Steelers defense. Pittsburgh’s number one receiver Diontae Johnson is also battling a knee injury, and is still questionable (rumored to be doing better) to play on Sunday.
CIN Injuries: The Bengals do not seem to have any major injuries, but it is worth noting that receiver Tee Higgins has an apparent shoulder injury and is questionable to play Sunday. Defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and corner Trae Waynes are also listed as questionable with unknown injuries.
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