The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing for a must-win game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18. Pittsburgh already has its playoff spot clinched, but the outcome of this game could mean a lot when it comes to their opponent on Wild Card Weekend. If the Steelers win, they will most likely be playing the Houston Texans, assuming the Baltimore Ravens hold onto their lead in the AFC North. If the Steelers lose, Pittsburgh would likely need to travel to Baltimore. Houston is clearly a more favorable matchup, but it won't be easy for Pittsburgh to take down Cincinnati.
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Steelers' George Pickens gets by a Bengals defensive back for a score.
The Bengals are also in a situation where they must win this contest and get some additional, external help, in order to make the postseason. Pittsburgh should prepare for Cincinnati's best shot, especially from safety Geno Stone. Stone was a free agent pickup by the Bengals after he began his career in Baltimore.
The safety grew up in the Pittsburgh area, and his family and friend group is full of Steelers fans. Pair that with playing in the AFC North for nearly his entire career, and Stone certainly has a bit of hatred towards Pittsburgh.
Stone sat down with Geoff Hobson of the Bengals, and he spoke about growing up around the Steelers and his feelings towards the franchise.
"I got a bunch of text messages. In my career, I've only beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers once. They're like, you can't beat us. I just want to shut them up and get a win. I told them they have to get their own tickets. I'm not buying any tickets to Pittsburgh games."
Stone's lone victory over the Steelers came when he was with the Ravens back during the 2022 season. This was a game that Kenny Pickett started, but exited quickly due to a concussion. Mitch Trubisky replaced Pickett and threw three interceptions in the game, including one to current Steeler Patrick Queen.
Joey Pulone / Baltimore Ravens Photos
Safety Geno Stone stands on the sidelines prior to the start of a Baltimore Ravens game against the Steelers.
Stone was a highly-coveted safety on the free agent market during the 2024 offseason. He was drafted by Baltimore in the seventh round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he was originally waived during his rookie year and spent the remainder of the season on Houston's practice squad. He signed with the Ravens once again during the 2021 offseason, and he didn't become a contributing fixture on defense until the 2022 season. Spending four seasons in Baltimore can make a player hate Pittsburgh, but Stone has always felt that way.
"I really didn't like Pittsburgh growing up. I never was a Steelers fan. I just went to the games whenever I could. I was kind of forced to watch the Steelers because everyone followed them."
Stone has never liked Pittsburgh, and now the safety has a serious chance to alter the organization's expectation if he can take down the Steelers on Saturday. It should be assumed that every Steelers fan wants to see their team play the Texans (if they don't end up winning the AFC North), rather than the Ravens, as Houston has slowly been falling apart for weeks.
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Steelers' Calvin Austin III catches a touchdown against the Bengals.
Steelers Fans Shouldn't Expect Another Shootout Against Cincinnati
Last time the Steelers took on the Bengals back in Week 13, it was a completely uncharacteristic game for the AFC North. Pittsburgh won the contest by a score of 44-38, and both teams had a bit of an offensive explosion in the contest. This shouldn't be the case again, as each defense should have a better idea of what it is going up against the second time around.
The Steelers' defense in particular has gone through some hardships over the last several weeks of the season. The group is primarily responsible for the active three-game losing streak, but after a 10-day break, the unit should have most of their issues fixed. The Bengals have a highly-potent offense, so it will be a true test for the struggling defense.
What do you think about Stone's comments towards the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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