Bengals Defender Identifies Perfect Formula To Sweeping Steelers During 2025 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a season that has been full of ebbs and flows in 2025. The group started the year off hot with a record of 4-1, but the team has gone 1-3 in their last four games and currently sit with a record of 5-4. Pittsburgh once had a commanding lead in the AFC North, but that lead has dwindled down to just one game. The skid began with a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals back in Week 7, and that was a game where the offense performed well, but the defense had no answers for Cincinnati.

Pittsburgh lost the first matchup of the two teams in 2025 by a score of 33-31. The game was exciting, but that was mainly due to the lack of defense being played by both sides. The Steelers lost the turnover battle, and that was ultimately the difference in the game as Pittsburgh fell to a game-winning field goal from the Bengals late in the fourth quarter. Cincinnati's defense has been putrid all season long, but the group was able to get the key takeaways that were needed in their win over Pittsburgh. Bengals rookie linebacker Barrett Carter spoke to the media on Wednesday, and he shared the defense's mindset entering the matchup in Week 11.

"Absolutely. We've gotta get the ball back to our offense and let them do what they do," Carter said. "We have a bunch of playmakers on that side of the ball, and that's what they do. They put points on the board. That's the goal, plus-two, at least plus-two turnovers. Just get the ball back to our guys and let them go make plays."

Carter was able to identify how key those takeaways were for the Bengals in the first matchup between the two teams. Both interceptions came in the second quarter of the game, and they led to 10 points for the Cincinnati offense which gave them the lead heading into halftime. Pittsburgh started the game off with a 10-0 lead, and that quickly went away after the Bengals' defense was able to pick off Aaron Rodgers twice.

The Bengals currently rank 32nd in both yards allowed and points allowed, but their offense has the ability to keep up with anyone. Joe Flacco has settled in nicely in Cincinnati, and he gets the pleasure of throwing to arguably the best wide receiver duo in the league. It is clear that Carter and the rest of the defense have the mindset of getting them the ball back, because that is how they have been able to win games.

Cincinnati could give up yards and points, but the offense will be able to keep pace and even get ahead if they are able to take the ball away from Pittsburgh. The Steelers' defense could not stop anything when going up against the Bengals the first time around, but the group has changed a lot since then and has been playing better football. The additions of Kyle Dugger and Asante Samuel Jr. will be interesting to watch, especially if Samuel is elevated to the active roster for the game.

Steelers' Offense Has The Chance To Get Back On Track Against The Bengals

Bengals struggle defensively, which means this is a great chance for Rodgers and the Pittsburgh offense to get back on track. That side of the ball has had a string of rough games, and this could be the game where the run game and passing game come together for an impressive team effort. 

Rodgers likely won't be as bad as he was against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10, and Pittsburgh's offensive line should be able to play better against a worse Cincinnati defense.

What do you think about the comments from Carter? Let us know in the comments below!

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