The Pittsburgh Steelers' defense was nothing short of elite on Sunday. The unit held the Cleveland Browns' offense to just nine total points and Cleveland was unable to find the end zone at any point in the matchup. Jalen Ramsey played at an extremely high level throughout all four quarters of the game and the veteran was ultimately rewarded by recording two sacks for the first time in his career.
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Steelers' Jalen Ramsey walks out of the tunnel before a game against the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin, Ireland.
The Steelers' defense has improved immensely since their Week 1 matchup with the New York Jets. The defense will need to continue playing at a high level on Thursday night as Pittsburgh finds themselves facing Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals in a heated AFC North matchup. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin recently took a moment to share his thoughts on the game, as Austin sent a clear message to his team prior to facing the veteran quarterback. Austin doesn't want the Steelers to overlook Flacco and he believes nobody should be taken for granted.
"We don't take anybody for granted," Austin stated. "If you're out there playing, it's because you deserve to play. We don't short anybody."
Flacco is an 18-year veteran who shined during his time with the Baltimore Ravens. The experienced signal-caller has bounced around the league in recent years, but Flacco could still prove to be a serviceable quarterback on Thursday. The Steelers' defense could be in excellent position for another big game against the Bengals and Flacco may struggle in just his second start with the team.
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Steelers superstar pass rusher TJ Watt talks with longtime defensive leader Cam Heyward during training camp.
TJ Watt and Cam Heyward will need to consistently apply pressure on Flacco throughout the matchup. Watt was credited with five tackles and half of a sack in Sunday's win against the Browns, but the veteran could find himself having an even better game against the Bengals on Thursday. Heyward recorded two tackles against the Browns on Sunday and the veteran could play a crucial role on the defensive line against Cincinnati.
Steelers' Jalen Ramsey Could Also Play A Crucial Role On Thursday Night
Ramsey had one of the best games of his career against the Browns on Sunday. The talented veteran will certainly have his hands full once again on Thursday as Ramsey will be tasked with covering superstar wide receiver Ja'Maar Chase. Chase is widely regarded as the best wide receiver in football and Ramsey will have to be at his best against the generational playmaker.
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Steelers' Week 7 opponent and Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja'Marr Chase pulls in a pass.
Ramsey's role on Thursday could have a direct effect on the outcome of the game. Chase is an elite route runner with excellent speed, and Ramsey will need to contain him to the best of his ability. Both Ramsey and Chase are two of the best at their position and the veteran cornerback will need to play at an extremely high level for the second week in a row.
Flacco has struggled in 2025 but the veteran quarterback could still shine with Chase as his top weapon. The Steelers' defense will look to apply constant pressure on Flacco and contain Chase as much as possible, as the unit as a whole has played much better over the course of the last few weeks. Pittsburgh will be on the road in Cincinnati on Thursday night as the Steelers will look to widen their lead in the AFC North.
How do you think the Steelers' defense will perform against Joe Flacco and the Cincinnati Bengals' offense? Do you think Jalen Ramsey can follow Sunday's performance up with another big game? Let us know what you think in the comments down below!
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