Bengals-Steelers Preview

With the playoff picture becoming a little clearer, these two AFC North foes will face off in Heinz Field Sunday, in what figures to be an important divisional battle. The Bengals currently lead the division with a 8-3 record, while the Pittsburgh Steelers are one game back at 7-4. The Steelers handled the Bengals easily in week seven, as they won 27-13.

The first game had heavy implications and Sunday’s game will as well. The Steelers have lost two straight and have a quick turnaround to Sunday’s match-up against the Bengals. The Steelers have this match-up against the Bengals and then a key game against Chicago the following week. Luckily for the 7-4 Steelers, both match-ups are at home, which will provide them a chance to get back into playoff contention.

The Bengals eight wins are great, but they’ve only knocked off two teams with a winning record and one of those teams is Minnesota. To be considered a serious playoff contender, the Bengals have to find a way to beat one of the AFC’s best on Sunday, which isn’t going to be easy. With a victory the Steelers will tie up the lead in the AFC North and will ensure that the Bengals don’t increase their lead any further. Another factor to consider heading into this game, it’s very possible that both of these teams could match-up in the playoffs once again. With the crowded AFC picture, don’t be surprised if these two teams are your number three and six seeds come playoff time.

Steelers offense vs. Bengals defense

Against Indianapolis, the Steelers offense looked very pedestrian. The play-calling, running game and passing game all looked out of sync and that’s something that has to quickly change. Against the Colts, the running game was terrible and for the Steelers to get back to playing Steelers football, they have to establish the run. Willie Parker is the team’s top back, but Duce Staley deserves an extended look. The veteran back pounds defenses in the middle and gets stronger as the game goes along.

In their match-up against the Colts, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger made his return from knee surgery. The second year quarterback looked out of rhythm and indecisive on some of his throws. It will be key for the quarterback to find his rhythm and deliver the ball on time to his receivers.

Another key for the Steelers offense involves Roethlisberger and that they have to mix up the run and the pass on first down. In many first down situations against the Colts, the Steelers just pounded the ball and didn’t stretch the field. Although the Steelers are a running team first, they have to find ways to stretch the field with Roethlisberger to Hines Ward and tight end Heath Miller.

The previous match-up between these two teams showed a considerable weakness for the Bengals and that’s being physical at the point of attack. The Steelers were allowed to pound the ball against the Bengal defense and that resulted in 131 rushing yards for Parker and 56 for Bettis.

The Bengals defense has to be more physical at the point of attack and if they aren’t, once again they’ll find themselves on the losing end of a score. Look for the Bengals defense to stack the box on first downs and hope that they can force the Steelers into third and long situations.

As Football.com has stated all season long, the key to the Steelers offense is Roethlisberger’s passing attempts. Usually, if the Steelers can keep his attempts between 15-20, then they will win the game. Anything over and its usually a Steelers loss.

Bengals offense vs. Steelers defense

If you looked at the box score for the Steelers match-up against the Colts and saw that they allowed 26 points, you would think they struggled. However, that really isn’t the case, as they limited Peyton Manning to 245 yards and threw him off his rhythm several times.

The Steelers defense has another tough match-up on Sunday, as they’ll face Carson Palmer and his cast of receivers. In their first match-up, the Steelers defense limited Palmer to 227 yards and two interceptions. Look for much of the same scheme in this game, as the Steelers will look to blitz Palmer and hope that they can get in his face before he makes the throw.

Top back Rudi Johnson was kept silent in their first match-up, as he only rushed for 65 yards on 12 carries. The overall ineffectiveness of the Bengal offense prevented him from getting on track and the offense should look to give him a few more carries in this contest.

Additionally, look for the Steelers secondary to try and keep a safety towards Chad Johnson’s side and limit his big plays. One non-defensive intangible that will be key is the Steelers offense keeping the Bengals offense on the sidelines. With a powerful rushing attack, look for the Steelers to control the clock and keep Palmer on the sidelines.

Summary

The weather in Pittsburgh for Sunday morning calls for a temperature of 42 degrees. Sounds like perfect Bus weather doesn’t it? The Steelers need a big victory, especially since they’ve lost two in a row and this is the perfect time to get a victory. The Bengals are a team on the rise and the Steelers are the AFC North bully, who isn’t going to let just anyone march through Heinz Field and claim the crown. The Steelers will get back to a bread and butter offense, which revolves around running the football and a solid, methodic passing attack. The Bengals have yet to show they can win a big game and trend will continue on Sunday, as the Steelers take the division lead with a big victory.

Steve Lassan is Senior Writer for www.Football.com.