Bengals at Steelers: 3 Things to Keep an Eye On

By: CJ Lester, @CJLester58

SteelerNation.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 8-0 on the season after defeating the Dallas Cowboys 24-19 last week. This is the first time in the team’s history that the Steelers have started a season 8-0! We look at the two teams’ records and we can’t help but think that this should not have been a nail biter. Week in and week out, any given Sunday, any NFL team can compete with other NFL teams. This Steelers team has proven they can win in several ways. They have faced adversity each week this season and they have come out on top every time. As I have said many times before, leaving a stadium with a W is all that matters and the Steelers did that last week. Of course, as fans, we expect and want more against a 2-6 Cowboys team with 4^th string QB Garrett Gilbert at the helm, but the team escaped Dallas with another W and that’s where we’ll leave that. This week, the Steelers are back at home to take on their AFC North rival, the Cincinnati Bengals. Before I take a deeper look into this week’s matchup against the Bengals, let’s review last week’s matchup!

Last week in review

The three things I noted that we should keep an eye on last week were:

1. Don’t Play Down to the Competition

The Steelers trailed the Cowboys 13-0 with just under 4 minutes to go in the first half. The game looked more and more like a “trap game” at this point. The offense just couldn’t get going with the first four drives amounting to absolutely nothing. The Steelers offense gained just 35 yards on their best drive out of those first four. The Steelers then marched down the field 75 yards to score on their next drive. On the drive, the offense seemed to get into a groove and then future Hall of Fame QB Ben Roethlisberger took a shot that seemed to injure the QB, who immediately went to the ground grimacing in pain, grabbing his left knee. Steeler fans’ hearts dropped, but the QB stayed in and finished the drive with a beautiful touchdown pass to WR James Washington. Just to be cautious, Roethlisberger went to the locker room before the half was complete to get looked at. 18 seconds later, CB Cam Sutton forced a fumble that was recovered by non-other than FS Minkah Fitzpatrick. The Steelers kicker Chris Boswell ultimately tacked on a franchise record 59- yard field goal before the half was over with QB2 Mason Rudolph under center to bring the halftime score to 13-9. With the return of Roethlisberger after the half up in the air, it was announced during the half that the QB would return in the second half. Cue Stone Cold Steve Austin’s entrance music and the rest of the game is history. The Cowboys continued to battle throughout the second half to make the game a nail biter. However, Roethlisberger was able to add his 45^th late game comeback win to his resume.

2. The Steelers Defense: Be Ready For ANYTHING

I was expecting the Cowboys to throw more trickery into their offense's game plan, but that just wasn't the case. The Cowboys did draw up a very successful punt return that caught the Steelers punt coverage team off guard. WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. fielded the punt around the 6-yard line and threw the ball across the field to CB C.J. Goodwin, who was off to the races with blockers in front. Goodwin looked like he was going to take it to the house before a great demonstration of a hustle play was made by Steelers backup safety Jordan Dangerfield, who tripped up the ball carrier and also drew the block in the back penalty to prevent the touchdown. I emphasized last week for the Steelers defense to stay disciplined and be prepared for ANYTHING due to the 4^th string Cowboys QB under center, but the emphasis should have been more on special teams. The Cowboys special teams, in all aspects, wreaked havoc last Sunday.

3. Next Man Up: Can the Steelers Get Back on Track Against the Run?

With Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott cleared to play right at game time, this became something more intriguing to watch. Even though the Cowboys didn’t have a running back go over 60 yards, they still gained 144 yards on the ground last week with several contributors. RB Tony Pollard, not Elliott, was the team’s leading rusher against the Steelers. The team improved against the run last week compared to the week prior against the Baltimore Ravens. Other than a 20-yard run from Pollard, the Steelers didn’t give up a big gain on the ground all day. Elliott, who received the bulk of carries, was held to 2.8 yards per carry average.

Let’s take a look at 3 things we should watch for in Week 10 against the Bengals:

1. Hey Rookie, Welcome to the NFL!

Bengals QB Joe Burrow will be taking his first snaps against the Steelers this week. On the season, Burrow has been impressive throwing the football. Good enough to be the league’s 9^th leading passer in his rookie season. The Steelers defense cannot give Burrow time to throw the ball! The Steelers defense leads the league in sacks, QB pressures, and QB hits. On the other side, Burrow is the 2^nd most sacked QB in the NFL, being sacked 28 times this season. The Bengals offensive line is atrocious. Like every other week, the Steelers will look to get pressure on the young QB to help create turnovers. Burrow has turned the ball over 8 times this season, 5 interceptions and 3 fumbles lost. Even though he has only lost 3 fumbles, the 2020 first overall pick has put the ball on the ground 8 times this year. The Steelers will have opportunities to take the ball away against Burrow, whether it will be in the form of a fumble or interception. Look for the Steelers to attack the ball!

2. Welcome Back, Tyson Alualu!

The past couple weeks, the most noticeable difference has been the absence of DT Tyson Alualu. Alualu is expected to return tomorrow against the Bengals after missing the majority of the past two weeks. Alualu went out early against the Ravens with a knee issue. In his two-week absence, the Steelers gave up 409 rushing yards. In order for the Steelers to get back to being completely dominant against opponents’ run game, Alualu is vital. He has become this Steelers team unsung hero. The Steelers are facing a middle of the pack rushing offense in the Bengals this week, so look for Alualu to come in and help neutralize the rushing attack.

3. James Conner due for a Big Day

Steelers RB James Conner has played well this season, but has only gone over 100 yards rushing three times. He hasn’t had a 100-yard performance on the ground since Week 6 against the Cleveland Browns. The running back is averaging 4.4 yards per carry and is due for a big game on Sunday against the spotty Bengals run defense. The Bengals are giving up 144 yards per game to opponents rushing attacks. Look for the Steelers to take advantage of this Bengals weakness and feed Conner and company! It should be noted that FB Derek Watt is expected to play this week after missing several weeks due to injury. If the Steelers choose to use the fullback on offense, expect this to aid the offense’s rushing attack as well.

What do you think, Steeler Nation? What should we watch for in Week 10 against the Bengals? Sound off in the comment section below, or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!