By Matt Papiernik, @Matt_Papiernik on Twitter
SteelerNation.com
As the Pittsburgh Steelers head out into their fourth game of the regular season, there are several things to watch out for as their team has desperately struggled to get into the win column so far. A matchup with the equally struggling 0-3 Cincinnati Bengals is a game that is a must win.
Will Rudolph Be Allowed to Open Up the Offense?
In Week 3, Randy Fichtner did as much as he could to protect Mason Rudulph, as most of his passes were within a few yards of the line of scrimmage. He opened it up a bit in the second half, and that greatly helped their offense. Rudolph needs to be allowed to test the defense down the field, if not, the offense will continue to be stuck in mud. Rudolph doesn't have the biggest arm, but he has great ball placement and gets the ball out of his hands quick on the deep ball. This combination allows him to be a good deep ball thrower without the big arm. Fichtner may be coaching for his job in this one, because if the offense continues to be passive and they struggle, everyone will be calling for his head.
Will Conner Right the Ship?
The Steelers have not had a lot of success on the ground this season. This is partly because of being down and needing to pass the ball, but also the defenses haven't been respecting their passing game. The Steelers need to get back to running down hill, and potentially going more under center. James Conner likes to get down hill and get down hill fast, sometimes that is hard when constantly operating out of the shotgun. If Conner is able to get going on the ground, that'll be a big time win for the Steelers. Not only will it allow Rudolph to get going with some play action, it will allow their defense to catch their breath. The defense has played well at times and made some great plays, however, they have been gassed at the end of games due to the offense not staying on the field and chewing clock.
Will the Linebackers Step Up?
The Steelers lost Vince Williams in week two against Seattle. Since then, both Mark Barron and Devin Bush have played nearly all the defensive snaps. While they have made some big plays at times, neither one of them have been consistent, and both tend to get fooled by play action. Barron has also showed lack of effort on occasions, while Bush can get washed out of the play while trying to run around blocks. Both of them are going to be needed, as the Bengals like to run the ball and attack the middle of the field. If Bush and Barron both keep getting sucked up to defend the run, Bengals tight ends and receivers working over the middle will have a field day.
Comment below and let me know what you will be looking for as the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Cincinnati Bengals!
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