This week the Pittsburgh Steelers will face off with the Cincinnati Bengals with the hopes of finally landing in the win column. If the Steelers don’t win this week, there is little chance the team recovers to make the playoffs. Since 1990, there’s been exactly one team out of 90 has made the playoffs after starting the season 0-4.
Here are the four matchups we are keeping an eye on this week as the Steelers try to get their first win of the season.
The Steelers run defense against the Bengals run offense
Pittsburgh can’t stop anyone from running the ball and Cincinnati can’t run the ball. Something has to give her. Pittsburgh is allowing nearly 140 yards per game on the ground but the Bengals only muster around 42 yards per game.
Bengals offensive tackles vs Steelers pass rushers
By all accounts, the Bengals offensive tackles have been woeful so far this season. Meanwhile the Steelers edge rushers have underwhelmed. This could be the week when T.J. Watt and Bud Dupree breakout against the Bengals or their need to give them help creates more problems for the Cincinnati offense.
Bengals TE C.J. Uzomah vs ????
Everything old is new again when it comes to the Steelers inability to defend tight ends. This week the Pittsburgh defense will have to contend with Uzomah who hasn’t produced a ton this season but has elite potential. This could be extended to any Bengals skill player who decides to operate between the hashes against this defense.
Mason Rudolph vs Andy Dalton
With all the struggles on the Bengals, Dalton has had to carry the load on offense. Cincinnati is currently No. 3 in the NFL at 308.7 passing yards per game. Meanwhile Rudolph only has 286 passing yards in a game and a half. If this one turns into a shootout, you have to think Dalton has the advantage.
