Pittsburgh Steelers: Five players to watch for vs the Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers look like they are going to have a heated game against the Bengals as there is a rivalry between the teams.

Mike Mitchell

Mike Mitchell has been a consistently good free safety in his time as a Steeler. He is also the enforcer of the Steelers. He has garnered attention this week after a hit he made after he tripped. The hit made news because of the reputation Mitchell has gained as a physical player. A player like Mitchell is important because the Bengals will be playing a physical game as well. The Steelers will need Mitchell to make some statement hits to win the physicality battle between the two teams.

Tyson Alualu

Alualu will be making another start with Stephon Tuitt out and it will be important that he holds his own against the Bengals. The Steelers rely on good defensive line play to execute their defense. Although the expectations are lower for Alualu, he will be called upon to stop the Bengals running attack and to get interior pressure.

Vince Williams

Williams will be a key player to watch in the Bengals game. It will be interesting to see how he recovers from his hip injury. I am guessing he is not 100% but the standard will still be the standard. Williams brings a physical nature to the way he hits and that will be key in a physical game against the Bengals. The hope is that the Steelers can contain not only Joe Mixon but also Gio Bernard and Jeremy Hill.

Le’Veon Bell

Le’Veon Bell had a big week last week and the hope is that he can continue that into this week. His ability to run the ball will open up opportunities for Ben Roethlisberger to throw the ball. If I am the Bengals, I would want to key in on Le’Veon Bell early so that Roethlisberger is forced to throw the ball. There is some bad blood between Bell and the Bengals as Bell suffered the worst injury of his career against the Bengals. You have to think he is upset after the dirty hit by Vontaze Burfict a couple years ago where after Bell was injured the Bengals celebrated.

Next: 3 offensive players that need to step up

Ramon Foster

Foster will be key to the Steelers success Sunday. He is coming off a back injury and so we will hope that he does not re-injure his back against the Bengals. Also, Foster will be going against the Bengals start defensive tackle, Geno Atkins. Atkins can be a disruptor and so it will be important that Foster contains him.