Steelers vs Bengals: Breakdown, matchups and prediction
Matchups
Oct 18, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Ramon Foster (73) and tackle Alejandro Villanueva (78) block against Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 25-13. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Steelers offensive line vs Cincinnati front 7
Yes, I know that’s a pretty broad matchup, but I have my reasoning. The Steelers offensive line admitted, after the last meeting with the Bengals, that they did not finish blocks. They took a large credit for the loss on their own shoulders and don’t want to have that happen again.
You can also bet that it didn’t set well with them that the Bengals linbacking corps continued to celebrate a bone crushing tackle on Le’Veon Bell, well after the point that it was obvious he was injured on the play. It might get a little chippy in the trenches this week.
Cincinnati WR A.J. Green vs Steelers secondary.
Pittsburgh’s defense is set up to give cushion to wide receivers and then make the tackle. This works well for A.J. Green who catches a lot of passes for 10 yards or less than breaks tackles for gain. The Steelers will either need to press Green or camouflage their coverage to jump routes if they are going to keep him and Dalton from connecting all day.
Steelers WR corps vs Bengals secondary
Yes, another broad statement matchup. Here is why. Both cornerback Adam Jones and safety George Iloka did not practice all week. Cornerback Leon Hall did practice on Thursday after missing last Sunday’s matchup in Cleveland due to a back injury. That means first year starter Dre Kirkpatrick, along with rookies Josh Shaw and Troy Hill could see the field a great deal.
If Iloka cant play, backup safety Shawn Williams should get the start. In those scenerios, Steelers receivers Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, and Markus Wheaton all have the ability to have big games. If I was a betting man, I would say that Wheaton could have another huge day.
Next: Predictions