The Pittsburgh Steelers are just one sleep away from taking on the Cincinnati Bengals in their first test of the 2022 campaign. Friday, several Steelers players caught up with the media to address pressing matters surrounding the team. This included star edge rusher, TJ Watt.
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Steelers Looking to Improve Run Defense
The run defense has been an area of concern since the beginning of last season for this team, and Watt was asked about whether he thinks it has improved and can be satisfactory Sunday against a good Bengals offense:
"We've been preaching that since March, April, just trying to be a better run defense. There's some things that we can do schematically, but ultimately it comes down to the guys defeating blocks, making tackles and not trying to do too much. I feel very good with where we've been at. We have had a lot of run game meetings, but it doesn't matter unless we do it on Sunday, though."
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: Devin Bush #55 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Steelers Look to Avenge Bad Loss Last Season
The last time these two teams met, the Bengals absolutely destroyed the Steelers in Cincinnati and left a sour taste in everyone's mouth. Watt asked how he is taking that game going into this one and what he took out of it:
"It's good film...its very good film. When you have film of yourself against that team, you want to watch to see where you were and where you want to be. The performance was beyond unacceptable, but there also some good things to take away and build off of from that game."
Following that question, he was asked whether this defense was better than last year's team that gave up 41 points on the road to the Bengals:
"We're going to have to find out. I feel very confident with where we are as a team. The new guys that we brought in will continue to get better."
Bengals New and Improved Offensive-Line Gets First Test Against Elite Steelers D-Line
The Bengals biggest weakness last season, by far, was their offensive line. Joe Burrow was sacked 7 times in the Super Bowl last season, which tied the Super Bowl record. The team made multiple free agency moves to give Burrow more time to work and Joe Mixon lanes to run. Watt was asked how the game planning has gone for it and what he and the defense expects:
"They're a very well-balanced offense. They have a new offensive line and they feel very confident to run behind them or pass as well. You can't be too caught up with keeping Joe Burrow in the pocket because then Joe Mixon will get out like he did last year.""You don't have film of all five guys working together yet, but we've had that in years past with new guys from different teams. Week 1 is always about focusing on ourselves, and making sure we are as prepared as we possibly can be and making sure we are comfortable with that preparation."
PITTSBURGH, PA - AUGUST 28: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action during the game against the Detroit Lions at Acrisure Stadium on August 28, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
While the Steelers offensive line and quarterback room have the most to prove Sunday, the Steelers defensive line might be the most important position group going into Sunday. If they can't get to Burrow or stop Mixon in the run game, it will be a long day for the Steelers.
What do you think, #SteelerNation? Will the Steelers defensive line be able to get to Burrow and company and give the Bengals problems Sunday? Will the Steelers be able to pull off the Week 1 upset in Cincinnati? Let me know in the comments or @anthonyravasio on Twitter.
