On Sunday afternoon at Paul Brown Stadium the Pittsburgh Steelers will engage in another critical AFC North match up where the host team will try to establish a new trend in the series and usher in the changing of the guard in the division. The Steelers are coming off their biggest victory of the season with a 41-17 drubbing of the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday and would like to keep their momentum going as the begin a critical three game stretch against divisional opponents starting Sunday.
Pittsburgh Steelers Week Six Enemy Intel: Cincinnati Bengals
Offense
One reason for the Bengals 4-1 start is the recent resurgence of QB Andy Dalton. Dalton is completing almost 66 percent of his passes with 12 touchdowns although he has seven interceptions. Dalton has shown the ability this season to bring his team back from deficits in the fourth quarter in the past two weeks in wins over the Falcons and Dolphins.
Other reasons for the Bengals turnaround is the improved play of third year WR Tyler Boyd to go along with A.J. Green. Boyd has caught 30 passes for 393 yards and two touchdowns. The acquisition of LT Cordy Glenn has shored up the offensive line that gave up 80 sacks over the past two seasons. The Bengals have only gave up nine sacks over the past two seasons.
The Bengals game plan is to use RB Joe Mixon as a duel treat runner and receiver to keep the Steelers off balance. Mixon missed two games before returning from injury last week and rushed for 93 yards and he is averaging 4.5 yards per carry.
Player to watch: C.J. Uzomah
Uzomah is stepping in for Tyler Eifert who was lost for the season in Week 4 due to a broken ankle. Uzomah caught both of his targets for 43 yards and the Steelers are one of the worst teams defending tight ends in the NFL.
Defense
New defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin's defense is led by DT Geno Atkins. Atkins leads the league in sacks on the season with six, and pressures with 31. The Bengals have already forced eight turnovers through five games after only 14 all of last season. The defense got a boost with the return of LB Vontaze Burfict from his PED suspension last week to record seven tackles against Miami.
The Bengals have a simple defensive game plan: Use their front four to put pressure on Ben Roethlisberger and roll coverages to Antonio Brown, who has averaged only 5 catches for 66 yard over the past nine meetings, including the playoffs.
Special Teams
Team has had a punt, field goal blocked already this season.
K Randy Bullock is 7 for 9 on field goals and made all 18 PATS.
P Kevin Huber has the worst net punt average (34.5) in the NFL.
Prediction
I think that the Bengals are a better team right now and the Bengals have too many weapons for the Steelers to stop them at home so I am calling for a 27-23 Bengals win.
